Summary:
Kamulegeya shared this concerning update with the Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, along with Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi (commonly known as Bobi Wine), the President of the National Unity Platform Party (NUP), and other Opposition leaders who had gone to check on Dr. Besigye.
KAMPALA: Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye, the four-time presidential candidate, collapsed in Luzira Upper Prison on Monday morning as his health continues to rapidly deteriorate, according to his fellow detainee, Hajji Obed Lutale Kamulegeya.
Kamulegeya shared this concerning update with the Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, along with Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi (commonly known as Bobi Wine), the President of the National Unity Platform Party (NUP), and other Opposition leaders who had gone to check on Dr. Besigye.
Kamulegeya revealed that Dr. Besigye’s condition is so dire that he collapsed earlier in the day, unable to meet the visitors. Due to his frailty, Dr. Besigye communicated through Kamulegeya.
Dr. Besigye has been on a hunger strike in protest of his illegal detention, demanding his freedom. He has emphasized that if the state has any legitimate case against him, he should be tried in a civilian court.
Kyagulanyi, after the visit, took to his social media account to express his concerns. “We passed by Luzira Upper Prison to check on Dr. Kizza Besigye, who has been on a hunger strike to protest against his illegal detention. Unfortunately, we were not able to see him because he is very frail and weak. He sent a message to us through Hajj Obed Lutale Kamulegeya, who briefed us on his worrying state of health, to a point that he collapsed this morning. He demands his freedom and insists that if the state has a legitimate case against him, he should be tried in a civilian court!” Kyagulanyi posted.
Kyagulanyi added, “Later today, we will meet with our compatriots from the other forces of change to discuss the steps we must take to demand the freedom of Dr. Besigye and other political prisoners. In the meantime, we call on all citizens to take whatever steps and actions are necessary to demand their freedom.”
In a related update, Joel Ssenyonyi announced that an Opposition Caucus meeting would be held on Tuesday to discuss the circumstances surrounding Besigye’s continued illegal imprisonment.
Meanwhile, the Special Presidential Assistant for Press and Mobilization, Hajj Kirunda Faruk, acknowledged the public’s concerns and sympathized with Dr. Besigye’s family, urging for calm. He reassured the public that the process to transfer Besigye’s case to a civilian court is already underway.
“I appreciate the concerns about Dr. Besigye’s case and sympathize with his family. However, there is no need for alarm; rather, we must understand the necessary processes,” Kirunda said.
He also clarified that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has initiated the steps to comply with the Supreme Court’s decision regarding Besigye’s case and dismissed claims that the opposition leader is under military detention.
“There is a process in place to transfer his case to a civilian court. The DPP has already indicated that steps are being taken to comply with the Supreme Court’s decision. Furthermore, Besigye is not under military detention. He is in Luzira, and his family can visit him in consultation with prison authorities,” Kirunda explained.
Regarding Dr. Besigye’s hunger strike, Kirunda advised the family to encourage him to accept nourishment while his legal team works on securing bail or any other relief.
Kirunda also addressed concerns about the possible impact of President Museveni’s critical remarks on the Supreme Court ruling, clarifying that the delay in Besigye’s transfer to a civilian court is purely procedural and not politically motivated.
“The President’s views on the Supreme Court ruling have nothing to do with Besigye’s detention. The delay is a matter of procedure, and everyone involved must play their part to conclude this process,” he concluded.
Dr. Besigye, a long-time critic of President Museveni, has faced numerous legal battles over the years.
Just last week, he appeared frail and in a worrying health condition at Buganda Road Court, where he faced charges related to inciting violence and unlawful assemblies.
He and fellow activist Lubega Mukaaku were arrested during a protest against inflation and rising commodity prices.
