KAMPALA
Prison authorities have dismissed claims that opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye is in critical condition, saying he was briefly taken out of Luzira Prison for a routine medical review and later returned.
Speaking to Parrots Media on Tuesday, Uganda Prisons Service spokesperson Frank Baine said Dr Besigye was escorted to a hospital to attend a scheduled follow-up appointment with his doctor.
“Dr Besigye was rushed to the hospital for a health check-up follow-up with his doctor and was later returned to Luzira Prison,” Baine said, adding that his condition was stable.
The clarification comes amid mounting concern from the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), which on Monday night said its leader’s health had deteriorated to a critical state. In a statement posted on X, the party claimed Dr Besigye had been rushed from Luzira Prison to a medical facility at Bugolobi Village Mall under heavy security.
“The health of our leader, Dr Kizza Besigye, has reached a critical and deteriorating state,” the party said, adding that he was transferred during the night.
The party accused the authorities of denying Dr Besigye adequate medical care and demanded that his personal doctors and family be granted immediate and unrestricted access to him. It also held the government and prison authorities fully accountable for his well-being.
However, Baine said the Uganda Prisons Service remains responsible for the welfare of all inmates and insisted that Dr Besigye is receiving appropriate medical attention.
Meanwhile, Parrots Media has learned that Eng Winnie Byanyima, the Executive Director of UNAIDS and wife to Dr Besigye, is expected to address the media today regarding concerns over her husband’s health and the circumstances under which he is being held. The press conference is scheduled to take place at the family’s home in Kasangati at 11:00am.
Dr Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and veteran opposition leader, has been in Luzira Prison following his arrest in Nairobi, Kenya on 16 November 2024, where he and his ally Hajji Obeid Lutaale had gone to attend an event organised by Kenya’s Martha Karua. The duo until today remain incarcerated in Luzira prison after facing trial at the General Court Martial and charged with unlawful possession of firearms and treason.
