Accra, Ghana — Imprisoned Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu and his Ugandan counterpart Dr. Kizza Besigye have been named Champions of Democracy in Africa at the Democracy Union of Africa Conference 2025, held in Accra, Ghana.
The two veteran opposition figures were honoured for their courage, resilience, and commitment to democratic ideals in the face of repression and political persecution.
Lissu’s recognition comes as Tanzania heads to a tense general election on Wednesday, amid growing criticism of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration for allegedly stifling dissent and curbing opposition activities.
His award was received on his behalf by CHADEMA Secretary General Deogratius Munishi, who read Lissu’s acceptance speech before delegates from across Africa.
“In the past six months that I have been in this maximum-security prison, charged with treason for calling for reforms to our rotten electoral system, CHADEMA has been slapped with a ban on political activity,” read part of Lissu’s message.
Lissu, a long-time critic of Tanzania’s ruling establishment, was arrested earlier this year after leading nationwide calls for electoral and constitutional reforms.
Besigye, who has faced repeated arrests and harassment under President Yoweri Museveni’s regime, was praised for his decades-long struggle for democracy and good governance in Uganda.
The awards, named after former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, seek to honour African leaders and activists who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to promoting freedom, justice, and the rule of law across the continent.
Speaking during the ceremony, Akufo-Addo urged African nations to resist authoritarianism and protect democratic institutions, warning that the rise of autocratic rule threatens the continent’s future.
“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,” he said.
Kenya’s KANU Chairman Gideon Moi and Democratic Party Leader Justin Muturi also addressed the gathering, urging African leaders to safeguard sovereignty and ensure that leadership remains accountable to citizens.
“It is time we rise against radical populist politics and ensure we respect the sovereignty of our nations,” Moi said.
“All leaders in Africa must ensure that leadership is decided by the people,” added Muturi.
Akufo-Addo also condemned the recent surge in military coups and unconstitutional power takeovers in Africa, calling for unity among democratic states to counter the trend.
He took a solemn moment to pay tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing him as a lifelong champion of democracy and justice across Africa.
“He embodied the shared belief of all of us gathered here — that democracy, however painful its process, remains our greatest hope,” Akufo-Addo said.
The late former President Daniel arap Moi was also honoured posthumously for his contributions to Africa’s political and economic development. The award was received by his son, Gideon Moi, on behalf of the Moi family.
The Democracy Union of Africa Conference 2025 brought together political leaders, diplomats, activists, and scholars from more than 25 African nations to discuss the continent’s democratic progress and challenges amid a resurgence of authoritarian tendencies.
