Uganda’s government has announced it will transfer the case of jailed opposition figure Kizza Besigye from a military tribunal to a civilian court, complying with a Supreme Court ruling against trying civilians in military courts. According to the country’s Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi, the government is “fast-tracking” the move. Besigye, a longtime critic of President Yoweri Museveni, was charged with treason for threatening national security. However, he embarked on a hunger strike on February 10 to protest his detention. Besigye recently appeared in court for a hearing on a separate case looking frail, prompting an outcry from his supporters. While Baryomunsi would not confirm if the outrage contributed to the government’s about-face, he revealed that he visited Besigye in prison and urged him to end his hunger strike. Meanwhile, Winnie Byanyima, Besigye’s wife, has voiced suspicion about the government’s pledge, calling it “suspicious” and expressing concern over her husband’s health.
Source: VOA