MP Muwada Nkunyingi Demands Explanation Over Dr. Kiiza Besigye’s Arrest and Transfer

Hon. Muwada Nkunyingi MP Kyandondo East

Story by Uziah Tusaasire

The Kyadondo East MP and Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Muwada Nkunyingi, has challenged both the Ugandan and Kenyan governments to explain the irregularities surrounding the recent disappearance and subsequent arraignment of former Presidential Candidate Dr. Kiiza Besigye.

Speaking to journalists at Parliament, Nkunyingi expressed concern over the lack of adherence to legal extradition processes after Dr. Besigye, reported missing in Kenya, resurfaced before Uganda’s Court Martial on charges of illegal possession of a firearm—charges his family denies, asserting that Besigye has not owned a gun in over 20 years.

Nkunyingi questioned the governments’ decision to bypass established legal procedures, stating that international law and regional agreements require extradition requests to be handled through the judicial systems of the country where a suspect is arrested. “When such a person is arrested, they must be brought before a court in the same area where the arrest occurred for extradition proceedings,” he explained. “This ensures the individual’s constitutional right to challenge or defend against extradition.”

He further criticized the failure to involve Kenyan courts, which would have allowed Dr. Besigye to contest the extradition lawfully. The MP described the arrest and transfer as a breach of due process and warned that such actions create fear and insecurity among citizens in the East African Community.

Nkunyingi called for greater transparency and accountability, urging both governments to uphold the rule of law and respect for constitutional rights to maintain regional trust and stability.

ANT also speaks out

Mugisha Muntu ANT President

The President of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) party, Gregory Mugisha Muntu, has strongly criticized the actions of both the Ugandan and Kenyan governments regarding the arrest and subsequent arraignment of veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye.

Dr. Besigye, who had traveled to Nairobi to attend a book launch by Kenya’s former Justice Minister Martha Karua, was apprehended alongside his comrade Hajj Obed Lutale over the weekend. On Wednesday, he was presented before the Court Martial in Makindye, Uganda, facing charges of illegal possession of two pistols and eight rounds of ammunition, as well as security-related offenses.

Muntu condemned the manner in which the arrest and transfer were carried out, describing it as a violation of regional and international legal standards. “This reflects a blatant disregard for due process and the rule of law by both governments,” he said.

Written by Editor