By Izidoro Twinamasiko,
KAMPALA
The Democratic party through their acting spokesperson Ismail Kiirya has condemned the arrest of Dr. Kiiza Besigye, a seasoned politician and founder of Uganda’s opposition political party Forum for Democratic Change in Kenya.
Dr. Besigye and his colleague Hajji Obeid Lutale were arrested on November 16th by Ugandan security officials with the assistance of Kenya’s Government on allegations of firearm negotiations.
The duo had gone to Kenya to attend the book launch of Martha Karua, “Against the Tide.” They swiftly brought back to Uganda and subsequently arraigned in a Military Court which charged them with offense relating to security; illegal possession of two pistols and eight rounds of ammunition and later remanded until December 2.
While speaking to journalists at their party Headquarters, the acting spokesperson of DP Ismail Kiirya condemned the violation of the territorial integrity of Kenya by the Uganda Government.
“As Democratic party, we are concerned with the violation of the territorial integrity of Kenya since Kenya has denied being involved” Kiirya said. This seriously damages guests at regional integration whose key pillar is a mutual trust” Kiirya added.
He expressed dissatisfaction to Kenyan government regarding protection of citizens, and non nationals living and working in Kenya. He appealed to Ugandans especially opposition leaders to declare Kenya a no-go zone for Ugandan opposition leaders.
The arrest of Dr. Kizza Besigye in Kenya comes barely weeks when 36 members of Forum for Democratic change party – Katonga faction were also arrested in Kenya tried and remanded on allegations of involving in suspicious anti-political activities in Uganda.
Dp condemned these arrests and renditions which happen on a foreign land arguing that Besigye and his colleague should be tried in the court-martial not the General court Martial.
DP has called upon the amnesty international to swing into action and in Besigye’s matter. “We are calling upon amnesty international to swing into action in this matter, otherwise it will give a bad instance to violation of cross boarder human rights”. Kiirya said on Tuesday while he called upon all opposition leaders in Uganda to look out for other countries for their safety incase of anything.
