The health condition of imprisoned Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye has significantly worsened according to his political party, raising serious concerns about his treatment in state custody. The 69-year-old former presidential candidate was transported under intense security escort to a private medical facility in Kampala overnight, with his People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) party reporting his condition had reached a critical stage.
Prison authorities have contradicted these accounts, characterizing the medical visit as routine and maintaining that Besigye remains in satisfactory health. Frank Baine, spokesperson for Uganda’s prison system, stated the opposition figure receives standard medical supervision and was recently observed performing exercises.
Besigye, who served as personal physician to President Yoweri Museveni before becoming his principal political rival, faces capital charges including treason and illegal firearms possession. His detention dates to November 2024 when he was extraordinarily renditioned from Kenya alongside associate Obeid Lutale.
The PFF has issued strong accusations against Ugandan authorities, alleging deliberate denial of adequate medical care and violation of fundamental human rights. ‘We hold the regime and prison authorities fully accountable for his well-being,’ the party declared, characterizing official statements as attempts to conceal the physical consequences of prolonged detention.
Personal accounts from Besigye’s family paint a distressing picture. His wife Winnie Byanyima described severe symptoms including acute abdominal pain, high fever, dehydration, and tremors sufficiently severe to impair mobility. She confirmed her husband has refused treatment from prison medical staff, demanding access to independent physicians.
This incident echoes previous health crises during Besigye’s confinement at Luzira Maximum Security Prison, including a critical condition developed during a February hunger strike protesting judicial proceedings. The opposition leader’s legal team has faced repeated bail denials, with courts citing procedural delays in plea entry.
The health emergency emerges against Uganda’s tense political backdrop following recent elections where Museveni secured extended power amid opposition allegations of electoral manipulation. Bobi Wine, Museveni’s primary challenger, has rejected the official results and reportedly gone into hiding citing safety concerns.