The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland KC, has condemned the continued detention of Dr. Kizza Besigye, Haji Obeid Lutale, and lawyer Eron Kiiza at Luzira Prison, stating that it undermines a recent ruling by Uganda’s Supreme Court.
In a statement released today, Scotland expressed concern over Uganda’s decision to ignore the 31 January 2025 Supreme Court ruling, which declared it illegal for civilians to be tried in the General Court Martial.
“We are saddened and deeply troubled by the continued detention of Dr. Kizza Besigye, Haji Obeid Lutale, and Eron Kiiza, which undermines the ruling of Uganda’s Supreme Court and the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law,’’ the statement reads in part.
She also condemned the abduction of Dr. Besigye and Haji Lutale from Nairobi, Kenya, on 16 November 2024, calling it a violation of justice and an affront to the Commonwealth’s core values.
“Their continued detention raises serious questions about Uganda’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, key tenets of our shared Commonwealth Charter and values,” the statement adds.
The Secretary-General also voiced concerns about Besigye’s deteriorating health and called on Ugandan authorities to ensure he receives proper medical care.
“I am alarmed by reports regarding Dr. Besigye’s health and urge the Ugandan authorities to ensure he receives the best possible medical care. We call for the immediate release of those who have been improperly detained. Along with the international community, we will continue to monitor the situation.”
Scotland reiterated the Commonwealth’s commitment to engaging with the Ugandan government, opposition leaders, and regional stakeholders to seek a peaceful resolution to the ongoing political crisis.
“The Commonwealth has always had a relationship based on trust with Uganda and looks forward to the return of a more inclusive and democratic political environment aligned with the Commonwealth Charter,” she stated.
She reminded the government that Uganda remains bound by the Commonwealth Charter, which upholds human rights, good governance, and the rule of law.
