International

Tension in Uganda as opposition leader is charged with treason

Published

8 years ago

May 15, 2016

Tension in Uganda as opposition leader is charged with treason

Kizza Besigye, a key opposition figure in Uganda has been slammed with treason charges after declaring himself president and challenging the election victory of veteran leader Yoweri Museveni.

Besigye who has been repeatedly arrested and accused authorities of beatings and intimidation now faces death penalty following the arraignment.

Government spokesman Shaban Bantariza said Besigye had been charged with treason because he had declared himself “an alternative president”.

“He has openly declared his intention to topple this government, that’s not constitutional,” he said. Authorities have dismissed accusations of targeting Besigye, saying they have only acted to keep order.

Authorities this week blocked Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp and other social media, following mounting tensions since the heavily disputed February polls in Uganda.

One of the reasons provided by Ugandan authorities for blocking the social media platforms earlier mentioned is that they are worried about security around Museveni’s official inauguration coming up this Thursday.

RipplesNigeria… without borders, without fears

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now