PFF announces new Besigye protests

What the report says

The opposition People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has announced a new round of peaceful protest actions in response to the continued detention of Dr Kizza Besigye and other political prisoners, according to The Observer. The party said the campaign will include wearing Uganda’s national colours every Wednesday and holding prayers across different faith communities until its demands are met.

At a press briefing on Monday, PFF leaders including central region vice chairman Dr Michael Lulume Bayigga, western region vice chairman Dr Nicholas Kamara and activist Ingrid Turinawe called for Besigye’s release on medical bail. They argued that his reported health problems could affect his ability to take part in treason proceedings, and they raised questions about his fitness to stand trial after a collapse in court.

The party also urged supporters to join the action peacefully by wearing black, yellow or red and by taking part in organized prayers. Kamara said Muslims would pray on Fridays, Seventh-day Adventists on Saturdays and other Christians on Sundays. PFF said the prayers are intended to seek protection and release for Besigye and others in detention.

In addition, the party asked Justice Emmanuel Baguma to step aside from the case involving Besigye and co-accused Obed Lutale, and called on the Judicial Service Commission and Chief Justice Flavian Zeija to intervene. The Observer reported that the claims about Besigye’s current condition were based on information relayed by his wife and were not backed by an independent medical report at the briefing.