People’s Front for Freedom Dedicates Lent to Prayers for Political Prisoners’ Release

Arua, Uganda – March 3, 2025 – The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has announced that they are dedicating this year’s Lent season to a nationwide prayer campaign for the release of all political prisoners, including opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye.

The campaign, dubbed the National Prayer for Freedom, was launched on Monday at St. James Catholic Church, where former Nakawa MP Micheal Kabaziguruka led calls for justice. Speaking at the event, Kabaziguruka urged Christians to use this sacred period of reflection and sacrifice to pray for those who have been unjustly imprisoned.

The prayer initiative follows a Supreme Court ruling that declared the trial of civilians by the General Court Martial unconstitutional.

 According to Kabaziguruka, this ruling means that all individuals convicted by military courts—including Dr. Besigye—should be set free.

"The Supreme Court made it clear that civilians should not be tried by the General Court Martial. It is, therefore, unjust for political prisoners, including Dr. Kizza Besigye, to remain behind bars. We call upon all Ugandans to dedicate this Lent season to praying for their release and for the restoration of justice in our country," Kabaziguruka stated.

The prayer campaign is expected to take place across different churches and religious gatherings throughout Uganda. The PFF has called on religious leaders, human rights activists, and citizens to actively participate in the movement by organizing special prayers, fasting, and raising awareness about political persecution.

Church leaders present at the launch emphasized the importance of faith in the fight for justice. One priest noted, 

"Lent is a time for deep reflection, and we must use it to intercede for those who are suffering unjustly."

Dr. Kizza Besigye, a long-time opposition figure and former presidential candidate, has faced multiple arrests over the years due to his criticism of the Ugandan government. 

His continued legal battles and detentions have sparked both local and international concerns over political repression and human rights violations in Uganda.

This campaign by the People’s Front for Freedom comes amid increasing pressure on the government to respect judicial decisions and uphold the rule of law. Several civil society organizations have also backed the call, demanding the unconditional release of all political detainees.

As the Lent season begins, all eyes will be on how the government responds to this growing movement for justice. Whether prayers alone will lead to political change remains uncertain, but the National Prayer for Freedom campaign has already ignited fresh debate about democracy and human rights in Uganda.