Kenyan activists have announced nationwide demonstrations demanding the immediate release and medical evacuation of jailed Ugandan opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye.
The protests are scheduled to take place on Thursday, September 3, 2026, with organisers saying they want the Kenyan government to address questions surrounding Besigye’s arrest and transfer to Uganda nearly two years ago.
The activists plan to begin the demonstrations at Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nairobi before moving to other government offices, including the Interior ministry.
They are demanding that Kenya push for Besigye’s release, allow him access to specialised medical treatment abroad and support an independent investigation into his arrest.
Besigye and his aide Hajji Obeid Lutale were arrested in Nairobi in November 2024 before later appearing before a military court in Kampala.
Their detention sparked controversy after Uganda’s Supreme Court ruled that military courts do not have authority to try civilians, leading to the case being transferred to the civilian court system.
The arrest has remained a major issue in Kenya, with activists questioning how Ugandan security officials were able to take Besigye from Nairobi.
Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi previously acknowledged that Kenyan authorities cooperated with Uganda during Besigye’s transfer.
Mudavadi said Besigye had not applied for asylum and argued that his presence in Kenya had created concerns, but activists have rejected that explanation.
They argue that the transfer violated Kenya’s legal obligations and international human rights standards.
Hussein Khalid, the executive director of Vocal Africa, said governments should not send individuals to countries where they may face persecution or mistreatment.
The activists have called for a full investigation into the operation, demanding answers on who authorised Besigye’s transfer and which security agencies were involved.
They want records linked to the operation, including communications, surveillance information and border documents, to be made public.
The protests have gained momentum following concerns over Besigye’s worsening health condition while in detention.
Besigye collapsed during his treason trial at the High Court in Kampala on July 29 and was admitted to Mulago National Referral Hospital for treatment.
He was later returned to Luzira Prison, but his wife Winnie Byanyima has repeatedly raised concerns about his condition, saying he struggles to walk, speak and write.
Prison authorities later transferred him to the Joint Clinical Research Centre hospital after his health situation reportedly deteriorated.
Byanyima has asked the Ugandan government to allow Besigye to travel to Geneva, Switzerland, for specialised medical care.
Kenyan activists have joined that call, making medical evacuation one of their main demands during the planned demonstrations.
The activists have also criticised statements attributed to Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, regarding Besigye’s detention.
They have demanded accountability, accusing the army chief of making remarks they consider threatening towards the opposition leader.
Meanwhile, Besigye’s treason trial continues at the High Court in Kampala despite his absence from proceedings.
Justice Emmanuel Baguma allowed the trial to proceed after medical assessments indicated that Besigye could understand court proceedings, although he had difficulties communicating.
Prosecutors have continued presenting evidence, including recordings from meetings involving Besigye and an American private security investigator, Andrew Wilson.
The state alleges the meetings were part of plans to overthrow President Yoweri Museveni’s government, claims Besigye and his co-accused have strongly denied.
The case continues to attract regional and international attention, with supporters demanding justice, transparency and urgent action over Besigye’s health and detention.
