The Commonwealth called on Tuesday for Uganda, a member of the 56-nation group, to release opposition politician Kizza Besigye, saying his detention undermined democracy and human rights.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said the detention of Besigye, his lawyer and an aide undermined "principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law",

A prominent opposition figure jailed in Uganda for allegedly threatening state security is unwell and in need of urgent medical care.

Detained Ugandan opposition politician Kizza Besigye, who went on a hunger strike last week, has been rushed to hospital after his health deteriorated, an allied lawmaker and a local television broadcaster said.