The following statement was issued today by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, on the continued detention of Dr Kizza Besigye in Uganda. 

"Uganda is a long-standing and much-valued member of the Commonwealth and has committed itself to the Commonwealth Charter, which upholds the values of human rights, good governance and the rule of law.  

"We are therefore saddened and deeply troubled by the continued detention of Dr Kizza Besigye, Haji Obeid Lutale and Eron Kiiza, which undermines the ruling of the Supreme Court of Uganda on 31 January 2025, and the principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. 

"The abduction of Dr Besigye and Obeid Lutale, which occurred in Nairobi, Kenya, on 16 November 2024, disregards the orders of the Supreme Court of Uganda and the basic principles of justice. Their continued detention raises serious questions about Uganda's commitment to upholding the rule of law, key tenets of our shared Commonwealth Charter and values. 

"I am also alarmed by reports regarding Dr Besigye's health and urge the Ugandan authorities to ensure he receives the best possible medical care. We call for the immediate release of those who have been improperly detained. Along with the international community, we will continue to monitor the situation.  

"The Commonwealth Secretariat stands ready to support and engage the Government of Uganda and all parties, including the opposition leaders and regional stakeholders, to work towards a peaceful resolution which protects the constitutional sovereignty of the country. 

"The Commonwealth has always had a relationship based on trust with Uganda and looks forward to the return of a more inclusive and democratic political environment aligned with the Commonwealth Charter." 

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal sovereign states. Our combined population is 2.5 billion, of which more than 60 per cent is aged 29 or under.

The Commonwealth spans the globe and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. Thirty-three of our members are small states, many of which are island nations.

The Commonwealth Secretariat supports member countries to build democratic and inclusive institutions, strengthen governance and promote justice and human rights. Our work helps to grow economies and boost trade, deliver national resilience, empower young people, and address threats such as climate change, debt and inequality.

Member countries are supported by a network of more than 80 intergovernmental, civil society, cultural and professional organisations.