Besigye Gives His Group’s Side of the Story as State Remands 36 FDC Katonga Members Over Terrorism

The Ugandan state’s Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has slapped charges of terrorism against 36 members of the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). The three-dozen group was arrested in Kisumu Kenya. The 36, who include three women, have now been remanded to Luzira Prison.

The 36 appeared before Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court where they were charged with terrorism. Arrested at the Ukweli Pastoral Leadership Center in Nakuru Kenya on claims that they were planning or engaging in subversive political activities.

“They were engaged in covert activities that are suspected to be subversive, drawing the attention of Kenyan security forces,” said Uganda Police Force (UPF) spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke. “We are collaborating closely with our Kenyan counterparts to thoroughly investigate this matter.”

They were handed over to the Ugandan authorities on the night of July 24, 2024, according to Rusoke. The FDC Katonga faction, which four-time presidential candidate Dr Kizza Besigye is a key figure, were unhappy with the arrest of their members who were handed over to the External Security Organisation (ESO).

On July 29, 2024, they appeared in the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court where they were read charges related with terrorism. At some point, as they appeared before court, they were heard chanting “we shall overcome, Museveni will go some day.” They were remanded until August 13.

But Besigye has given his group’s side of the story. He claims that on July 23, the 36 FDC Katonga faction members travelled to Kisumu, Kenya for a leadership workshop that was supposed to last one week.

The veteran politician further noted that although the 36 had been “duly cleared by Uganda immigration and security,” their residences were raided by a group that comprised officers of the Kenya Defence Forces and those from Ugandan security agencies. Besigye claimed that the raiders tortured the 36 and brought them to Uganda.

“A few hours later (during the night), their residences at Ukweri Catholic Pastoral Centre, Kisumu, were violently attacked, doors broken, and all brutally arrested. This was by a combination of Uganda Security officers and Kenyan Military!” he claimed.

“Their properties were confiscated, including computers and phones. They were tortured and several injured during and after arrest. They were driven that night back to Uganda- this time, without going thru Kenyan or Ugandan Immigration.”

Besigye added: “They were detained in ‘Safe Houses’ of Uganda’s External Security Organisation (ESO) until they were brought to Kololo grounds to be paraded before media as having been handed over by Kenyan government for engaging in suspicious circumstances!”

According to Besigye, the arrest of the 36 contravenes the laws of Uganda since they had not engaged in any unlawful activities as alleged.

“They [the 36] were lawfully invited into Kenya and entered Kenya lawfully. The place where they were to hold their workshop was lawfully engaged,” he noted. “They were illegally arrested; illegally deported; apart from the torture and other Human Rights violations done by government forces of both Uganda and Kenya.”

Besigye has now asked the Kenyan government to probe the matter, describing Nairobi’s alleged connivance in the matter as “surprising and worrying.”

“Uganda’s NRM/Museveni Junta is a well known rogue regime: Uganda’s Military and Security forces have attacked Courts of Judicature; attacked Uganda Parliament; been found liable by ICJ of illegally entering and plundering DRC’s resources; tortured journalists and committed countless acts of gross violations of Human Rights with impunity. There’s a fully fledged political struggle to end this rule by force,” wrote Besigye.

“What’s surprising and worrying in this incident, is the behaviour of Kenya government. I hope Kenyan institutions can investigate this matter, with a view to redressing the situation.”