The health of detained veteran Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye has reached a critical and deteriorating state, his party says, after he was taken overnight to a medical facility in the capital, Kampala. The 69-year-old politician was driven to a private medical facility under heavy security, the People's Front for Freedom (PFF) party said, without specifying what he is suffering from. However, prison authorities denied that Besigye's health was dire, describing his overnight visit to a doctor as a general check-up. Besigye, a former personal doctor to President Yoweri Museveni and one of his longest-standing political rivals, has been in detention since November 2024. The PFF leader was charged in a military court with treason, which carries the death sentence, as well as illegal possession of a firearm and threatening national security. He denies the accusations.
Last month, a court denied them bail for the fourth time, saying it was too early to release them as they had not yet entered their pleas. In a statement on Tuesday, the PFF accused Ugandan authorities of denying Besigye proper medical care, noting that his continued detention amounted to a violation of his basic rights. It is a tragedy that a man who has dedicated his life to the health and freedom of others is being denied his own right to medical dignity, PFF said, adding: We hold the regime and the prison authorities fully accountable for his well-being.
Frank Baine, a spokesman for Uganda's prisons, denied that Besigye's health was critical, claiming he was receiving necessary treatment. Besigye's wife, Winnie Byanyima, stated he had acute stomach pain and was severely dehydrated, further asserting that he had refused treatment from prison authorities. There have been increasing calls from family, opposition, and human rights groups for his release on medical grounds. As political tensions rise in Uganda, Besigye's situation continues to attract international attention.
Last month, a court denied them bail for the fourth time, saying it was too early to release them as they had not yet entered their pleas. In a statement on Tuesday, the PFF accused Ugandan authorities of denying Besigye proper medical care, noting that his continued detention amounted to a violation of his basic rights. It is a tragedy that a man who has dedicated his life to the health and freedom of others is being denied his own right to medical dignity, PFF said, adding: We hold the regime and the prison authorities fully accountable for his well-being.
Frank Baine, a spokesman for Uganda's prisons, denied that Besigye's health was critical, claiming he was receiving necessary treatment. Besigye's wife, Winnie Byanyima, stated he had acute stomach pain and was severely dehydrated, further asserting that he had refused treatment from prison authorities. There have been increasing calls from family, opposition, and human rights groups for his release on medical grounds. As political tensions rise in Uganda, Besigye's situation continues to attract international attention.
