Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye appeared in court over protests and national security charges. Amnesty International condemned his trial, calling it a human rights violation. His lawyers argue for a halt in proceedings due to his health concerns, while prison authorities dispute claims of a hunger strike.

Prominent Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye appeared in the dock at Buganda Road Chief Magistrate Court in Kampala on Friday, according to Uganda’s Daily Monitor.

Besigye was in court alongside Samuel Lubega Mukaaku following their arrest in downtown Kampala in 2022 while protesting against high commodity prices in Uganda.

The 68-year-old was charged in a military tribunal in Kampala in November last year with offences related to illegal possession of a firearm and threatening national security. Additionally, he faces a separate charge of treachery, a military crime that carries the death penalty.

His military trial has sparked outrage among his supporters and concern from human rights organizations. Amnesty International has called for his release, stating that his “abduction clearly violated international human rights law and the process of extradition with its requisite fair trial protections.”

Besigye’s legal team, led by Erias Lukwago, argued that court proceedings should not continue due to his medical condition. On Thursday, Lukwago reported that Besigye was unwell and in urgent need of medical care. His wife, UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima, also claimed that he was on a hunger strike, though prison authorities have disputed this claim.