By Leonard Kamugisha Akida
KAMPALA
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has called on the Ugandan government to release its founding president, Dr Kizza Besigye, on medical and humanitarian grounds.
FDC Vice Chairman for Western Uganda Robert Centenary said Besigye, a former personal doctor to President Museveni during the guerilla war, his health is deteriorating in detention, appealing for his immediate release. Centranary made the remarks on Monday during the party’s weekly press briefing at its headquarters in Najjanankumbi, Kampala.
He said political differences between the government and opposition should be handled politically, while the rights of detainees, including access to proper medical care, should be protected.
“Please release Dr Kizza Besigye immediately and unconditionally on medical and humanitarian grounds,” he said.
The party also expressed concern about the health of former Kampala Lord Mayor and it’s former deputy president for Buganda, Erias Lukwago and other political detainees.
FDC urged authorities to allow Besigye to receive medical attention from independent doctors and to be with his family.
“We should not wait until it is too late,” Centenary said.
Besigye has been in custody since November 2024, when he was arrested in Nairobi, Kenya, alongside his aide Obeid Lutale while attending the launch of a book by Kenyan politician and lawyer Martha Karua.
The two were subsequently taken to Uganda and initially faced proceedings before a military court. Following a Supreme Court ruling on the trial of civilians in military courts, Besigye and his co-accused were charged with treason before the High Court.
The treason trial began in July 2026. But Besigye denied the allegations. The prosecution’s first key witness, US national Andrew Wilson, also known as Orlando, has given evidence about meetings he says he secretly recorded involving Besigye and others in Uganda and abroad. The recordings have included allegations of plans to overthrow the government and attacks against President Yoweri Museveni. The defence has challenged aspects of the evidence.
Besigye’s health became a major issue after he collapsed during a court session in July and was admitted to hospital. He was later returned to Luzira Prison and subsequently transferred to the Joint Clinical Research Centre for further medical attention. Uganda Prisons has maintained that he is stable, while his family and opposition allies have continued to raise concerns about his condition.
FDC said a national dialogue was needed to address Uganda’s political differences.
“Let political differences be managed politically while protecting human rights,” Centenary said.
