Uganda’s veteran opposition leader, Colonel (Rtd) Dr. Kizza Besigye, has been honored with the prestigious Akufo-Addo Africa Democracy Award by the Democracy Union of Africa (DUA) for his unwavering commitment to democracy, human rights, and good governance. The award was announced at the DUA Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya, where Besigye’s lifelong activism and resilience were celebrated despite his current incarceration in Luzira Maximum Security Prison.
The DUA cited Besigye’s “unwavering courage and integrity under persecution” as central reasons for his selection. According to the DUA, Besigye’s voice for freedom continues to inspire reformers across Africa, even from behind prison walls. “Africa has heard his voice, even from behind prison walls,” a DUA delegate declared during the ceremony.
Besigye, a former presidential contender and one of President Yoweri Museveni’s fiercest critics, has been detained since November 2024 on treason charges. His detention has sparked widespread criticism, with many viewing it as a politically motivated move to silence him. Despite his imprisonment, Besigye’s party, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), acknowledged the award with pride, with Party President Patrick Oboi Amuriat receiving the honor on his behalf.
“Anselm (Besigye’s son) and I are very proud of and celebrate Dr. Kizza Besigye on this award,” said Winnie Byanyima, Besigye’s wife and Executive Director of UNAIDS. “We are grateful to the Democracy Union of Africa for acknowledging KB’s contribution to building democracy and peace in Africa.
The award is a testament to Besigye’s decades-long struggle for democracy and human rights in Uganda. As former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo noted, “There are those who would rather have authoritarian rule, arguing that democracy is cumbersome and slows development. We still have much work to do to convince such people that democracy is the only sustainable path forward.