By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, has visited opposition figure Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye at Luzira Prison, where he is currently being held on charges of treachery.
During the visit, Dr. Baryomunsi urged Besigye to end his hunger strike as the government works on transferring his case from the military court martial to a civil court.
“I have just visited Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye at Luzira Prison in the presence of his personal doctors. I have given him counsel and asked him to resume taking food as the government fast-tracks the transfer of his case from the court martial to a civil court,” Dr. Baryomunsi stated.
Besigye, a longtime opposition leader and former presidential candidate, was arrested in Nairobi Kenya on November 16, and charged in a military court in Uganda, a move that has sparked national and international concern.
He is allegedly on a hunger strike for the fear of being poisoned inside prison. His refusal to eat has raised fears about his health, prompting interventions from various leaders and human rights organizations.
Besigye remains incarcerated to Luzira Prison despite supreme court ruling barring trying civilians in the military court. Last week, he appeared before Buganda road court looking frail over the alleged hundred strike, prompting numerous growing calls for the government to ensure his fair legal process.
While the minister did not specify a timeline for the case transfer, he assured the public that the matter is being handled. This is not the first time Dr. Baryomunsi makes public comments about Dr. Besigye since he was remanded to Luzira. He recently demanded for his release on bail, stating that acquiring a bail is his constitutional right.
As pressure mounts, supporters of Besigye and opposition groups continue to demand his unconditional release, arguing that his prosecution in a military court is unjust.
Besigye’s supporters have announced plans to march to Luzira Prison on Monday, February 17, 2025, in protest against what they call his unlawful detention, demanding his immediate release.
