By The State has leveled charges of inciting violence against opposition stalwart Dr. Kizza Besigye and activist Samuel Lubega Mukaaku over their demonstrations against escalating commodity prices in 2023. The charges relate to a public protest held in Kampala, during which the duo highlighted the adverse impact of the high cost of living on ordinary Ugandans.
Dr. Besigye, a veteran opposition leader and four-time presidential candidate, appeared before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court to answer charges stemming from his 2023 protests. The demonstrations, which were part of his continued critique of the government’s handling of economic challenges, drew widespread attention and reignited conversations about Uganda’s socio-economic policies.
The protests originated in 2022 when Dr. Besigye and Mukaaku took to the streets of Kampala to denounce the skyrocketing prices of essential commodities, including food, fuel, and electricity. These demonstrations became symbolic of growing public discontent with the government’s inability to address the economic hardships faced by many Ugandans.
Dr. Besigye has consistently criticized what he calls “economic mismanagement and neglect” by the government, asserting that the burden of economic hardship falls disproportionately on the most vulnerable populations. He has also called for reforms to curb inflation and stabilize prices.
The proceedings at Buganda Road Court on January 9, 2025, were met with complications when Dr. Besigye, currently on remand at Luzira Prison on separate charges by the General Court Martial, failed to appear for the hearing.
The absence sparked a heated exchange between State prosecutors and the defence, led by Erias Lukwago, who argued that the responsibility to produce Dr. Besigye in court rested with the prosecution. The State, however, blamed logistical challenges for the no-show, leaving the hearing postponed until further notice.
Dr. Besigye’s court appearances continue to draw significant public and political attention. Supporters of the opposition have rallied behind him, hailing his efforts to spotlight the struggles of ordinary citizens.
Political analysts note that the charges against Dr. Besigye reflect the broader tension between the government and opposition leaders, with many viewing his prosecution as an attempt to stifle dissent.
The protests led by Dr. Besigye occurred against a backdrop of surging commodity prices that sparked widespread concern across Uganda. Global economic factors, including disruptions in supply chains and rising inflation, compounded by domestic challenges such as high taxes and currency depreciation, have exacerbated the cost of living crisis.
The government, while acknowledging the economic strain, has pointed to external factors, including the Russia-Ukraine war and COVID-19 recovery efforts, as contributors to the crisis. Despite this, critics like Dr. Besigye argue that poor fiscal policies and corruption within the government have worsened the situation.
As the legal battles continue, the charges against Dr. Besigye and Mukaaku underscore the persistent divide between the government and opposition forces in Uganda. While the court’s eventual ruling remains uncertain, the case has reignited debates about freedom of expression, economic justice, and governance in the country.
Dr. Besigye’s relentless advocacy for economic accountability ensures that these issues will remain central to Uganda’s political discourse in the lead-up to the 2026 general elections.
