Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has blocked a church mass that was scheduled to honour opposition figure Kizza Besigye, who has been jailed since 2024 on treason charges, according to Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima.
The Cancellation
Byanyima, who is also the executive director of UNAIDS, told AFP that she was informed by Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere that Museveni had personally called to request the cancellation of the service at Rubaga Cathedral in Kampala.
“He (Museveni) said it was political and he needs to first investigate,” Byanyima explained.
The mass had been organized by Besigye’s family to pray for his health and release. Worshippers had already gathered when the service was called off.
Background on Besigye
Besigye, once Museveni’s personal doctor and a political rival for more than 25 years, was abducted in Nairobi in November 2024 and later appeared before a military court in Uganda. He has now spent about 15 months in detention, facing health challenges and repeated denials of bail.
Human rights groups and opposition figures argue that his prosecution is politically motivated, linked to Uganda’s recent elections.
Political Context
Museveni, 81, has been in power since 1986 and contested last month’s presidential polls for the seventh time amid an internet blackout and widespread opposition repression.
Following the election, Uganda’s army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Museveni’s son, welcomed the killing of 30 opposition members and the arrest of 2,000 others. Meanwhile, Museveni’s main challenger, Bobi Wine, has gone into hiding.
Byanyima condemned the cancellation of the mass, saying it demonstrates how state power can infringe on the right to worship.
Conclusion
The blocked church service underscores the tense political climate in Uganda, where opposition leaders face detention, restrictions, and suppression of public support. As Besigye remains in prison, calls for his release continue to grow both domestically and internationally.
