Uganda Roundup: World marathon record, prolonged opposition leader's trial, increasing power plants
Commonwealth urges Uganda to release detained opposition politician
On Tuesday, February 18, the Commonwealth urged Uganda—a member of the 56-nation group—to free opposition leader Kizza Besigye, arguing that his detention undermines democratic principles and human rights. The Strait Times reports that President Yoweri Museveni, however, dismissed concerns over Besigye's health, accusing his hunger strike of being a blackmail tactic aimed at garnering sympathy to secure bail. As a long-standing critic of Museveni, Besigye’s military court prosecution and nearly three-month incarceration on charges including illegal firearms possession have fuelled public outrage against the government.
Uganda looks to convert 100MW of HFO capacity into gas-to-power plants
The government is set to launch a feasibility study to explore converting 100 MW of liquid-fuelled thermal plant capacity to gas-to-power, with LNG feedstock being one of the options under consideration. Additionally, it is promoting efforts to produce domestic LPG as a strategy to reduce deforestation and mitigate the health impacts associated with biomass use, according to African Energy's Kampala correspondent.
Ugandan president praises Kiplimo's world record half marathon
The President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, congratulated Jacob Kiplimo for breaking the world half marathon record with a time of 56 minutes and 42 seconds at the eDreams Mitja Marato Barcelona, shaving 48 seconds off the previous record. Museveni posted on X, praising the 24-year-old, two-time cross-country world champion, who also used the race as preparation for his debut at the 2025 London Marathon, The Peninsula reported.
Uganda offers to move opposition leader to a civilian court
Uganda will shift opposition leader Kizza Besigye’s case from a military tribunal to a civilian court to comply with a Supreme Court ruling, with the move fast-tracked by Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi. Charged with treason, Besigye—who has been on a hunger strike since February 10—recently appeared frail in court, sparking a public outcry. His wife, Winnie Byanyima, has expressed suspicion about the pledge and concern for his health, Africa.com reports.
Minnesotan philanthropist dies from malaria in Uganda
Minnesota woman Khristina Lund died from malaria after spending three weeks in Uganda helping disadvantaged children through her charity, Adored International Ministries. Lund, from Loretto, mistook her symptoms for jet lag until she was hospitalised on Feb. 10 and passed away three days later. Her best friend, Kelly Froehle, expressed deep shock at the loss and hopes to continue Lund’s legacy, as reported by CBS.
