In brief
Kizza Besigye, a veteran opposition figure in Uganda, is reportedly in critical health following his recent transfer to a medical facility. His party claims severe dehydration and health issues, while prison authorities contest these claims, emphasizing he is receiving standard medical care. Besigye has faced multiple charges, including treason, and his party is demanding better medical access and accountability from the government amidst increasing calls for his release on medical grounds.
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.
Besigye, who has run for president against Museveni four times, has been in detention with his associate Obeid Lutale since they were both dramatically seized in Kenya and taken back to Uganda.
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, saying the opposition figure was under standard medical supervision.
Speaking to a local TV station, Besigye's wife, Winnie Byanyima, said that her husband had complained of acute stomach pain, a high temperature and he was severely dehydrated. 'He was shaking and unable to walk. He is seriously ill and he refused to be treated by the prison authorities,' she added.
This is not the first time Besigye has been taken ill at Luzira Prison, where he has been held. He has previously accused the authorities of political persecution.
There have been increasing calls by his family, opposition and human rights groups for him to be released on medical grounds.
President Museveni has blamed Besigye and his legal team for the delays in the trial, which he said have resulted in the PFF leader's continued detention.
Museveni, who has held power since 1986, was on Saturday declared the winner of the recent presidential election with 72% of the vote, solidifying his controversial hold on power amid allegations of electoral fraud.
