United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Turk has called for Uganda to refrain from prosecuting civilians in military courts, citing that it contravenes the international human rights law. 

In a statement, Turk expressed concern regarding the abduction of opposition leader Kizza Besigye from Nairobi and his forcible return to Uganda.

He noted that Besigye was subsequently arraigned before a military court in Kampala a day after he was abducted and charged with possession of firearms; an offence that can attract the death penalty. 

Turk appealed to the Ugandan government to refrain from such abductions and honour the human rights practice.

Further, he noted that the Yoweri Museveni-led government must stop prosecuting civilians in a military court to accord the required due process needed for justice to prevail.   

"Such abductions of Ugandan opposition leaders and supporters must stop, as must the deeply concerning practice in Uganda of prosecuting civilians in military courts, in contravention of the country’s obligations under international human rights law," he said. 

"The UN Human Rights Committee - which oversees implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights - has noted that civilians tried in Uganda’s military courts do not receive the same due process guarantees as those in civilian courts, and has recommended that Uganda remove, without further delay, the jurisdiction of military courts over civilians."

Besigye's abduction has cast a spotlight into how Kenya has been labelled as a playground for dissidents to be hounded out of the country using unconventional means. 

Contrary to the public opinion, the State has, however, downplayed the allegations and expressed confidence in the country's law enforcement service.