Veteran Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye has been hospitalized in Kampala, with his party, the People's Front for Freedom (PFF), stating his health is in a critical and deteriorating state. Besigye, 69, was transported to a private medical facility under heavy security.
Prison authorities, however, denied that Besigye's health was critical, describing his overnight hospital visit as a routine general check-up.
Detention and Charges
Besigye, a former personal doctor to President Yoweri Museveni and a long-standing political rival, has been in detention since November 2024. He was charged in a military court with treason, illegal possession of a firearm, and threatening national security, charges he denies.
He and his associate Obeid Lutale were seized in Kenya and subsequently taken back to Uganda. A court has denied them bail four times, citing that it was too early for release as they had not yet entered their pleas.
Conflicting Statements on Health
The PFF accused Ugandan authorities of denying Besigye proper medical care, asserting that his continued detention violates his basic rights. The party stated that they hold the regime and prison authorities accountable for his well-being and demanded immediate, unrestricted access for his personal doctors and family to provide independent medical care.
Frank Baine, a spokesman for Uganda's prisons, maintained that Besigye receives necessary treatment like other prisoners and is in stable condition. He added that Besigye was performing exercises that morning. The PFF, however, described Baine's remarks as an attempt to downplay the severity of Besigye's condition.
Besigye's wife, Winnie Byanyima, head of UNAids, reported that her husband complained of acute stomach pain, a high temperature, and severe dehydration. She stated he was shaking, unable to walk, and had refused treatment from prison authorities.
Background
This is not the first instance of Besigye falling ill while detained at Luzira Prison. In February, he was reportedly critically ill after a hunger strike demanding justice.
Besigye, who last ran for president in 2016, has previously accused authorities of political persecution. There have been increasing calls from his family, opposition groups, and human rights organizations for his release on medical grounds.
President Museveni has attributed delays in Besigye's trial to Besigye and his legal team. Museveni, who has held power since 1986, was recently declared the winner of the presidential election with 72% of the vote.