Health fears grow for jailed Ugandan opposition leader Besigye

During the night of January 20th, Kizza Besigye, the longest-serving political opponent of Yoweri Museveni, Uganda’s president since 1986, was transferred from his cell at the maximum-security Luzira Prison in Kampala to a hospital in the Ugandan capital, according to the BBC.

Besigye’s health condition, according to a statement by his party, the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), “reached a critical and deteriorating state.” In contrast, the Uganda Prisons Service said Besigye’s condition was not critical and that the late-night hospital visit was merely for a routine medical check-up.

The 69-year-old politician was for years Museveni’s personal physician before becoming his main political rival. Besigye ran against Museveni in four elections before being arrested in Kenya in 2024 along with his associate Obeid Lutale and subsequently extradited to Uganda. The PFF leader has been charged with treason, illegal possession of a firearm and threats to national security, allegations he has consistently denied.

Besigye’s detention conditions have repeatedly been criticised by the PFF and human rights organisations. His party has accused Ugandan authorities on multiple occasions of denying him adequate medical care. “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,” an FPP spokesperson said on 20 January, adding: “We hold the regime and the prison authorities fully responsible for his wellbeing.”

On the other hand, Frank Baine, spokesperson for the Uganda Prisons Service, said that Kizza Besigye is receiving “necessary treatment like other prisoners and he is fine.” However, the opposition leader’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, told a local television station that during her most recent visit her husband complained of severe stomach pain and high fever. Calls are growing from his family, the opposition and human rights groups for Besigye to be released on health grounds. Museveni has accused Besigye’s legal team of being responsible for procedural delays that have led to the prolonged detention of the PFF leader.

Uganda’s long-standing president, Yoweri Museveni, was confirmed in last week’s elections with 72% of the vote, amid allegations of fraud by his opponent Bobi Wine and ensuing street protests that were met with police violence.

BBC, Maghrebi.org