Members of Parliament’s Human Rights Committee have reported that jailed veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye revealed his fears of being poisoned while in prison, which led him to go on a hunger strike after prison authorities denied him access to food from home.
While presenting the minority report during Tuesday’s plenary sitting, Erute South MP Jonathan Odur confirmed that, as his lawyers had earlier reported, Dr. Besigye, a four-time Presidential runner-up, is in solitary confinement. He is restricted from interacting with other inmates and is not allowed to attend prayers.
The Committee learned from Dr. Besigye that he fears being killed in prison through poisoning. His biggest concern is that the State, being both the complainant and prosecutor, has command and control over the Prisons. The Commissioner General of Prisons confirmed awareness of Dr. Besigye’s fears, acknowledging the precarious situation of having a prisoner who fears being killed by the authorities.
In the main report, Committee Chairman Fox Odoi noted that, Dr. Besigye, raised concerns about the structure of the cell where he is being detained. He described it as a “prison within a prison,” requiring passage through five doors to reach his cell.
“He is detained in a highly restricted section, which he described as ‘a prison within a prison,’ requiring passage through five gates to reach his cell. He expressed fear for his safety, particularly as he is held alone in a cell with a toilet and shower, within the North wing, which accommodates 18 prisoners,” stated Odoi.
The Committee also reported that Dr. Besigye had expressed concern about unexplained late-night activities near his cell, including the opening and closing of padlocks without anyone entering, which further fueled his fear of being harmed.
However, in a minority report co-authored by Odur, Francis Zaake (Mityana Municipality), and Flavia Nabagabe (Kassanda DWR), Parliament was urged to pay close attention to Dr. Besigye’s fears. Odur reported that Dr. Besigye mentioned hearing the doors being opened and closed multiple times, which frightened him and led him to make a loud alarm. Afterward, the unknown people retreated.
“He sought an explanation, and three different versions of events were given: forgotten items, unlocked padlocks, and routine inspection,” part of the minority report read.
Regarding the solitary confinement, Odur and his colleagues informed Parliament that the Commissioner General of Prisons, Johnson Byabashaija, explained that Dr. Besigye’s isolation was due to his capacity to incite other prisoners, which could escalate into uncontrollable situations.
“The Uganda Human Rights Commission, in its written submission to the Committee, noted that solitary confinement, when used excessively or under harsh conditions, can be considered a violation of human rights due to its detrimental effects on mental health and wellbeing. Additionally, Dr. Kizza Besigye complained of mental health issues that cannot be adequately addressed by the medical personnel at Luzira Prison,” Odur stated.
The Commissioner General of Prisons, Johnson Byabashaija, defended the decision to place Dr. Besigye under solitary confinement and bar him from attending prayers, stating that the institution is concerned about Besigye’s ability to incite other inmates, which could lead to uncontrollable situations.
Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa instructed the Government to prepare a statement by Tuesday on the next steps regarding the release of prisoners who have been on remand without trial for several years.
This came after the Committee reported that Luzira Prison houses one inmate who has been on remand for 26 years after being arrested and charged with murder, yet his trial has never commenced. Several other inmates have also been there for over a decade without their trials being concluded.
