Rtd Col Dr Kizza K Besigye, a prominent opposition leader in Uganda known for his unwavering stance against the NRM government, was pleasantly surprised and deeply moved as Ugandans flooded social media with heartfelt messages on his 68th birthday.
Besigye, who has been at the forefront of opposing government policies since 2001, received an outpouring of support and appreciation from well-wishers.
His enduring commitment to the struggle for justice and democracy in Uganda, despite facing significant challenges and personal sacrifices, resonated strongly with those who celebrated his milestone birthday.
During the Walk to Work demonstrations of 2011, Besigye was subjected to harsh treatment, including brutal arrests and assaults that left him sprayed with chemicals, risking his eyesight.
His remarkable resilience in the face of adversity has earned him the distinction of being one of the most frequently arrested political figures globally, with a record of 43 arrests.
Brenda Ntambirwekyi, a lawyer based in Ireland, expressed admiration for Besigye’s enduring activism, stating, “Loving all the Dr. Besigye love on the TL — always love it when people give others flowers when they’re still alive to smell them. To think we had a chance at change with him and we let it slip through our fingers (some of us anyway). Consistent and persistent. Our loss truly!”
At the height of Besigye’s activism, he was often viewed as a disruptor, and many elites initially dismissed his campaign for change. However, his steadfast dedication has gradually won admiration and respect from a broader spectrum of society.
Netizens took the opportunity to share memes and memorable quotes from Besigye’s past media appearances, highlighting his enduring influence and impact on Ugandan politics.
Videos showcasing Besigye’s heroic actions during the Bush War, including one featuring Maj Gen Elly Kayanja recounting how Besigye saved his leg against medical odds, circulated widely, underscoring the opposition leader’s legacy and bravery.
Besigye, a trained medical doctor who abandoned his career in Nairobi in the 1980s to join the Bush War that brought the NRM and President Museveni to power, later parted ways with the regime after expressing dissenting views in the Daily Monitor newspaper in 1998. Facing persecution, he left the military and contested the presidency in 2001, eventually seeking exile in South Africa due to threats on his life.
Upon returning, Besigye played a pivotal role in forming the FDC party and has since contested the presidency four times, alleging electoral fraud and asserting that no one can defeat Museveni in an election he organises.
