The United States government under President Donald Trump has called for the immediate release of veteran Ugandan opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye, escalating international pressure on President Yoweri Museveni’s administration over human rights and political freedoms.
In a statement issued on Thursday, US officials said they were “deeply concerned” by Besigye’s continued detention, warning that the move risks undermining democratic principles in Uganda and across the wider East African region.
The statement comes amid renewed diplomatic engagement by Washington in the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region, where governance and stability have taken centre stage.
Dr Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and long-time critic of Museveni’s government, has faced repeated arrests over the years, often linked to protests, rallies or alleged violations of public order laws.
His latest detention has once again drawn condemnation from rights groups, opposition leaders and sections of the international community.
The US call for Besigye’s release coincides with ongoing high-level American diplomatic activity in East Africa, including discussions on democratic governance, regional security and economic cooperation.
Analysts say Washington is increasingly using public statements to signal its expectations on civil liberties as it reasserts its influence on the continent.
Ugandan authorities have previously defended their actions, insisting that Besigye’s arrests are lawful and unrelated to his political views.
However, critics argue that the repeated detentions point to shrinking political space ahead of future electoral contests.
In Kenya, the development has reignited debate on democratic standards in the region, with political observers warning that instability in one country often spills over into neighbouring states.
Civil society groups have urged regional leaders to speak out, saying silence weakens collective efforts to uphold constitutional rule.
As pressure mounts, attention is now on how Kampala will respond to Washington’s demand, and whether the call will translate into tangible diplomatic consequences if ignored.
