By Frank Kamuntu
Parliament’s Committee on Human Rights, chaired by Fox Odoi (MP, West Budama North East), has been directed to visit Dr. Kizza Besigye in Luzira Prison following concerns about his deteriorating health and allegations that prison authorities have denied him food from his family. This directive was issued by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa amidst heated debate in Parliament after opposition MPs demanded urgent action.
Dr. Besigye, a veteran opposition leader and four-time presidential candidate, is currently on remand alongside Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya. Both were charged by the Army General Court Martial with offenses related to security and possession of firearms. Recently, they faced an additional charge of treachery, along with Capt. Denis Ola, a serving soldier from the Armoured Brigade.
The urgency of the matter escalated when photos of Dr. Besigye’s frail appearance at Buganda Road Court surfaced on social media earlier this week, amplifying public concern. The photos came a week after Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura alleged that Dr. Besigye had gone on a hunger strike, protesting the prison’s refusal to allow food deliveries from his family.
Opposition MPs Demand Accountability
Several opposition MPs criticized the delay in addressing human rights violations in Luzira Prison. Francis Mwijukye (MP, Buhweju County) called on Parliament to act, emphasizing that it cannot ignore reports of mistreatment in prisons.
“The issue of Dr. Besigye has come up multiple times. Pictures of him looking frail and sickly are circulating widely. As Parliament, we must act to ensure the rights of prisoners are upheld,” Mwijukye said.
Bugiri Municipality MP, Asuman Basalirwa, echoed these concerns, highlighting the gravity of reports alleging that Dr. Besigye is being subjected to inhumane treatment. “Parliament cannot afford to wait until Tuesday. The treatment of Dr. Besigye raises serious questions about whether there’s been a policy shift in how political prisoners are handled,” Basalirwa argued.
The Leader of Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, warned against repeating past mistakes, referencing the late Muhammad Ssegirinya (former MP, Kawempe North), who died after allegedly being denied proper medical care while in detention. “Are we waiting for you to announce that Besigye has died before we act? Let us not fail him as we have failed others before,” Ssenyonyi urged.
Deputy Speaker’s Response
Deputy Speaker Tayebwa assured MPs that Parliament remains committed to safeguarding human rights. He instructed the Committee on Human Rights to visit Dr. Besigye on Friday and submit a detailed report on his welfare by Tuesday. This report will be debated alongside the long-awaited government statement on his arrest and detention.
“Let the Committee focus solely on Dr. Besigye’s detention conditions, especially allegations of being denied food from his family. The report will guide our next steps,” Tayebwa directed.
Tayebwa also ordered the government to update Parliament on the status of 18 missing National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters, some of whom are feared dead, as reported by Mathias Mpuuga (MP, Nyendo-Mukungwe).
Broader Implications
The treatment of Dr. Besigye has reignited debates about human rights abuses in Uganda, particularly against political opponents. Opposition MPs like Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda (MP, Kira Municipality) warned NRM legislators that such abuses could eventually affect them.
“When we speak about human rights violations, some NRM MPs ignore us. But this regime’s mistreatment of political opponents could easily extend to you,” Ssemujju cautioned.
Basalirwa underscored the irony of Dr. Besigye’s predicament, recalling his pivotal role in bringing the current regime to power. “It’s tragic that someone who contributed to the NRM’s success is now being treated in such a manner,” he remarked.
As concerns over Dr. Besigye’s welfare grow, all eyes are on Parliament’s response and the government’s forthcoming statements. For many, this case has become a test of Uganda’s commitment to upholding human rights and the rule of law.
