
Perpetual Ugandan presidential challenger.
Compare Besigye Kizza with another historical figure:
Kizza Besigye, a former physician and Museveni ally, ran as the main opposition candidate against President Yoweri Museveni in Uganda's presidential election. Museveni won with 69% of the vote. Besigye alleged widespread fraud, leading to protests and his subsequent self-exile to South Africa.
Besigye was arrested upon returning from exile in South Africa and charged with treason, rape, and illegal possession of firearms. The treason charge related to alleged links with the rebel Lord's Resistance Army. His arrest sparked riots in Kampala and international condemnation of Museveni's government.
Besigye ran as the Forum for Democratic Change candidate in Uganda's first multi-party election in 25 years. Museveni won with 59% of the vote to Besigye's 37%. Besigye again alleged fraud. The election was marked by Besigye's ongoing treason trial and restrictions on opposition rallies.
Besigye ran against Museveni for the third time. Museveni won with 68% of the vote to Besigye's 26%. Besigye rejected the results, citing vote rigging and intimidation. He led a series of 'walk-to-work' protests against rising fuel and food prices, which were met with police tear gas and arrests.
Besigye ran against Museveni for the fourth time. Museveni won with 60% of the vote to Besigye's 35%. Besigye was placed under house arrest before results were announced. He declared himself the rightful winner and held a symbolic swearing-in ceremony, leading to his arrest and military detention.
See how Besigye Kizza stacks up against other historical figures