By Frank Kamuntu
Veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye has once again become the focal point of national attention after being rushed to a clinic in Bugolobi on Sunday evening, sparking renewed alarm about his deteriorating health while being held in detention at Luzira Prison.
Dr. Besigye, who has faced significant health challenges during his time in custody, was escorted to The Clinic located on the third floor of Bugolobi Village Mall under tight security. His move to the clinic has reignited fears over his well-being and raised questions about the conditions he is enduring while incarcerated.
According to Francis Mwijukye, a Member of Parliament for the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Besigye was visibly frail and in need of urgent medical attention. “Amidst very heavy security deployment, Dr. Besigye has been brought to a clinic at Bugolobi Village Mall. He was being pushed in a wheelchair,” Mwijukye shared on his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter).
Besigye’s health has become a growing concern, especially following his recent appearance in court at Buganda Road Court on Friday, where he appeared weak and struggled with motor control. A video circulating widely showed him trembling and struggling to close his mouth, deepening public worry about the state of his health.
Human rights groups, his family, and medical professionals have all raised alarm over the conditions of his detention. The Uganda Medical Association and various activists have voiced concerns that Dr. Besigye’s health is rapidly declining, arguing that he requires specialized medical treatment that Luzira Prison cannot provide.
Critics have warned that the government will be held accountable should his condition worsen while in custody. Many believe that allowing him access to proper medical care outside the prison system could potentially prevent further deterioration of his health.
The situation has also evoked painful memories of the late Joseph Musasizi Kifefe, Dr. Besigye’s younger brother, who was also detained at Luzira Prison in the mid-2000s. Kifefe developed a mysterious illness during his time in detention and, despite being transferred to Mulago Hospital in 2007, tragically passed away. His supporters have long argued that an earlier release might have saved his life, and now, with Dr. Besigye’s declining health, many fear history may be repeating itself.
As calls for Besigye’s release and proper medical treatment intensify, the public is closely watching how the government will respond to the growing pressure. The situation has put the government in a difficult position, as any further deterioration in Besigye’s health could have serious political and public relations implications.
The case highlights the broader issues of health and human rights within Uganda’s prison system, and the increasing international scrutiny of how political detainees are treated in the country. For now, the country waits, hoping for a swift resolution that prioritizes Dr. Besigye’s health and well-being.
