Fr. Gaetano Resumes Activism with Calls for Besigye’s Release

Renowned human rights activist and former Priest of Kitanga Parish, Rev. Fr. Gaetano Batanyenda, has burst back onto the activism scene, calling for the immediate release of detained opposition leader, Rtd. Dr. Kiiza Besigye.

Fr. Gaetano 80, addressed the press in Kabale town today, breaking almost three years of silence due to ill health.

He condemned the government’s defiance of a Supreme Court ruling that deemed Besigye’s imprisonment at Luzira Maximum Prison illegal.

Besigye, along with his aide Obeid Lutare, was arrested and charged with treason and possession of military hardware by the General Court Martial in November 2024. Despite a subsequent Supreme Court ruling that the Military tribunal lacked jurisdiction over civilians, Besigye remains behind bars, and his health deteriorating due to a hunger strike.

Fr. Gaetano lambasted President Yoweri Museveni and his Government for their “deliberate” refusal to release Besigye, despite the Supreme Court’s clear directive. He also took aim at First Son and Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who has been threatening Besigye with death by hanging.

“I wonder if Museveni and his son are angrier than God because of Besigye’s purported sins. What did Besigye do to Muhoozi that requires death by hanging as a punishment?” Fr. Gaetano asked, his voice dripping with indignation.