Besigye Stops Communication With Prison Authorities

Summary:

• Commissioner General of Prisons, Johnson Byabashaija, defended Besigye’s solitary confinement, arguing that it is necessary to prevent him from inciting fellow inmates.

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KAMPALA: Uganda Prisons Services has revealed that former presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye has ceased communication with prison authorities, a move that has drawn scrutiny from human rights advocates.

Commissioner General of Prisons, Johnson Byabashaija, defended Besigye’s solitary confinement, arguing that it is necessary to prevent him from inciting fellow inmates.

Appearing before Parliament’s Human Rights Committee, which is investigating concerns over Besigye’s welfare, Byabashaija responded to media reports alleging that prison authorities had restricted Besigye’s access to food, legal counsel, and family visits.

“Previously, whenever we had Dr. Besigye in custody, he would engage with us freely. But not this time,” Byabashaija stated. “I spoke with a close relative who expressed fears for his life, prompting me to tighten security measures. He is held in Ward 19 with 19 other inmates, and they are not allowed to leave the Boma. I changed the security protocols for his safety.”

He further justified restricting Besigye’s movements, citing security concerns at Luzira Upper Prison, where prison staff are outnumbered by inmates at a ratio of 12:1.

“If inmates were to organize an incident, it could be catastrophic. We cannot allow anything that could incite them, and Dr. Besigye has the ability to do so,” he explained.

Byabashaija also defended limiting Besigye’s physical interactions, stating that he now communicates with visitors via phone.

“Initially, he was allowed direct visits, but when concerns were raised, I ordered that he use a screen for communication. This is for security reasons,” he added.

Regarding reports of a hunger strike, Byabashaija dismissed the claims, asserting that Besigye had designated three individuals to provide him with food.

“We have no record of him refusing to eat. I have instituted a strict security regime around him to ensure his safety. When someone claims you want to kill them while they are in your custody, you must take extra precautions,” he said.

However, MP Rose Obigah (Terego District Woman Representative) contradicted Byabashaija’s account, stating that Besigye had, at one point, been prevented from receiving food from outside and was instructed to purchase from the prison canteen or rely on prison staff for supplies.

“As a result, he went on a hunger strike until a meeting was held, and the decision was reversed,” Obigah revealed.

Uganda Prisons also justified denying Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, Besigye’s lawyer, access to his client on a specific day, despite him carrying crucial legal documents ahead of Besigye’s court appearance.

Byabashaija explained that the Human Rights Committee was visiting Besigye that day, and MPs take precedence over other visitors.

“When I denied Lukwago access, it was because I had already cleared MPs to visit. We cannot have MPs, lawyers, and thousands of other inmates’ visitors all at once. However, Lukwago was allowed in the following day. We are not unreasonable,” he said.

Byabashaija also emphasized that prison officers have the authority to deny entry to anyone deemed unruly.

“MPs are not denied access because they visit in their capacity as justices. But the Officer in Charge has the right to refuse entry if someone is causing disorder,” he concluded.