In court, Besigye looked very weak and frail, struggling to catch breath
Edith Byanyima (R) addressing the media in Kampala on Sunday afternoon
After weeks of denying jailed veteran opposition politician, Dr. Kizza Besigye access to his personal doctor, Luzira Prison has requested his family to send the doctor to visit him in jail.
This unexpected change of prison’s position has signaled a severe decline in his health.
The sudden shift by prison authorities has raised concerns among Besigye’s family members who fear that his condition may be deteriorating.
Speaking to reporters in Kampala on Sunday, one of Besigye’s inlaws Edith Byanyima read the joint statement issued by the family, expressing concern that Besigye’s health has significantly deteriorated.
“Last night, we received an unexpected request to bring Dr. Besigye’s personal doctor to visit him in detention – this after authorities had repeatedly denied him access to his own doctors,” said Edith.
”We fear this sudden change signals a severe decline in his condition. We are forced to speak out now because we believe the worst may be imminent,” she added.
On Thursday, Besigye’s lawyers led by Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago visited him at Luzira maximum security prison where he is incarcerated.
After the visit, Lukwago said that Besigye’s health condition had deteriorated, and could lose his life if he does not receive specialized treatment which is not available at Luzira prison.
“Since Friday, he had not moved out of his cell; reason, he is not feeling well. He has been experiencing episodes of some drastic spike in pressure levels which are not explained, and the unfortunate bit is that he has not been given the opportunity of seeing his personal physician. It is only the in-house doctors who have been coming to monitor the situation, but unfortunately, they are ill equipped. They don’t have the necessary equipment that would be necessary to examine him and get to understand what is really bothering him,” Lukwago said.
Besigye together with political associate Hajj Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya are detained at Luzira prison on charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and treachery.
Besigye is also battling another case of inciting the public when he in 2022 led a demonstration downtown Kampala against high commodity prices.
On Friday, he appeared before Buganda Road Court on charges of inciting violence.
In court, Besigye looked very weak and frail, struggling to catch breath.
Court battle
Besigye was sent to Luzira prison by the General Court Martial, and was scheduled to return to the military court on February 3, before the Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling on January 31, 2025, declaring the trial of civilians in military courts illegal.
Despite the Supreme Court ruling, authorities refused to release him which compelled him to go on a hunger strike.
The Commissioner General of Prisons, Johnson Byabashaija said that he was awaiting guidance from the Attorney General, Kiryowa Kiwanuka.
The Attorney General, on his part, said that he was studying the ruling before he could give guidance.
On the contrary, the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao told Parliament that the Supreme Court did not give release orders.
Besigye’s family said, “each day of his illegal detention brings fresh anguish to our family, and we are forced to speak out because we cannot bear the thought of silence leading to tragedy.”
“Let us be absolutely clear about what we are and what we are not: we are not politicians seeking power or influence. We are not interested in political positions or gains. We are simply Besigye’s family – scared, and desperate for his safety. We wake up each day with so much fear for his life. Our concern is not political – it is deeply, painfully personal,” said Edith Byanyima who read the joint statement issued by the family on Sunday.
Edith said that Besigye’s detention is not merely a “violation of law” but rather a contemptuous assault on the very foundations of justice that Uganda is supposed to uphold.
“If there are charges against Dr. Besigye, they should be heard in a court of law, with full adherence to due process. The current detention, without legal basis, is nothing short of state-sanctioned kidnapping,” she said.
