By Zawadi Nanyonga,
KAMPALA
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has called upon Ugandans, opposition political parties, human rights activists, and civic groups to rise in large numbers to demand the unconditional release of their founding president, Rtd. Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye, who is allegedly being detained illegally in Luzira Prison.
The appeal was made by the party’s Deputy Secretary for Publicity in charge of Publication and Documentation, Mulindwa Walid Lubega, during a weekly press conference at the FDC headquarters in Najjanankumbi, Kampala, on Monday.
Besigye recently appeared in court looking frail and struggling to breathe, raising public concerns about his health condition in detention. On Sunday, he was rushed to a private clinic in Bugolobi in critical condition. However, the latest reports indicate that he has since been discharged and taken back to Luzira.
The FDC insists that Besigye’s health is deteriorating and that he requires specialized medical treatment, which they argue is not available at Luzira Prison or the Bugolobi clinic, where he was briefly admitted.
“When Besigye is released, he will be able to access specialized medical care and nutritional support, depending on his personal and family choices and affordability. Luzira Prison and the auxiliary Bugolobi clinic may not be able to provide the urgent medical attention he deserves, given the magnitude of his health concerns,” Mulindwa stated.
Besigye and his ally, Hajj Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, were arrested in November 2024 in Nairobi and later imprisoned at Luzira Prison on charges of illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and treachery. However, despite a recent Supreme Court ruling outlawing the trial of civilians in the Court Martial, they remain incarcerated.
Mulindwa also referenced the recent passing of former Kawempe North legislator, Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya, allegedly due to delayed medical intervention, as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of government inaction.
He urged the government to take full responsibility for Besigye’s well-being, ensure he receives adequate medical attention, and grant him unconditional release.
“If anything happens to Besigye, the state will be held accountable,” Mulindwa warned.
