Veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye was rushed to The Clinic at Bugolobi Village Mall on Thursday under tight security after appearing frail and struggling to breathe during a court appearance. His deteriorating health has raised widespread concern among his supporters, family, and human rights activists.
Besigye, who has been in remand at Luzira Prison for nearly three months despite a Supreme Court ruling ordering his release, was transported to the clinic in a wheelchair. Buhweju County MP Francis Mwijukye confirmed his arrival at the medical facility, which is located on the third floor of the mall. Security forces heavily deployed around the area have restricted access and movement.
The Clinic declined to comment on Besigye’s condition, citing medical confidentiality. However, Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura confirmed to the press that he was receiving treatment. Efforts to obtain a statement from Uganda Prisons spokesperson Frank Baine were unsuccessful as his phone remained unreachable.
Calls for Immediate Medical Attention
Family members, political allies, and medical professionals have sounded the alarm over Besigye’s condition. Speaking on behalf of the Byanyima family, Edith Byanyima expressed concern over the government’s delayed response, revealing that Besigye’s personal doctor had been repeatedly denied access to him in detention.
“We received an unexpected request to bring Dr. Kizza Besigye’s personal doctor to visit him in detention—this coming after authorities had repeatedly denied him access is worrying. We are forced to speak out now because we believe the worst may be imminent,” she stated.
The Uganda Medical Association (UMA) has also demanded Besigye’s release. Its president, Dr. Herbert Luswata, emphasized the ethical responsibility to protect a fellow medical professional’s life.
“As an association of professionals who swore to nurture and protect life, it is our duty to speak out. Remaining silent while a colleague’s health deteriorates would be a betrayal of the oath we took,” Dr. Luswata stated.
Religious Leaders Call for Compassion
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, used the occasion of the 48th Commemoration of Janani Luwum Day in Kitgum to urge for forgiveness and compassion towards Besigye. He called for unity, dialogue, and prayers for his recovery.
Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and fierce critic of President Yoweri Museveni’s government, was arrested on November 16, 2024, and charged with treason before a military court. Despite a Supreme Court ruling ordering his release last month, he remains in custody.
While Uganda Prisons insists that he is in good health and receiving proper care, his supporters strongly disagree, citing his visibly weakened state in court. His prolonged hunger strike in protest of his detention has further intensified concerns over his well-being.
As the situation unfolds, pressure continues to mount on authorities to allow Besigye access to proper medical care and honor the Supreme Court’s ruling for his release.
