By Jako David Waluluka
Dr. Col. Kizza Besigye Kifefe, a former leading opposition leader in Uganda and founder of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), is reportedly in critical health condition while detained at Luzira Prison, and his personal doctors are urging for immediate specialized medical attention.
Erias Lukwago, the lawyer and party president of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), as well as the Lord Mayor of Kampala, addressed the media at the PFF offices on Katonga Road in Kampala. During the press conference, Lukwago expressed concerns about Dr. Kizza Besigye’s health, stating that his life is in danger while he’s being held at Luzira Prison. This update on Besigye’s condition has raised concerns among his supporters and the general public.
Dr. Kizza Besigye’s health has taken a turn for the worse since his incarceration in November 2024, according to his lawyer, Erias Lukwago. This alarming development comes after Besigye reportedly embarked on a hunger strike to protest his solitary confinement.
The hunger strike preceded a landmark Supreme Court judgment on January 31, 2025, which ruled that the General Court Martial lacks jurisdiction over civilian cases.
As a result, all ongoing military trials involving civilians were ordered to be transferred to the civilian court system. Besigye’s situation highlights the pressing concerns surrounding the treatment and well-being of individuals in detention.
Contrary to reports, Uganda Prisons Service spokesperson Frank Mbaine denied that Dr. Kizza Besigye had embarked on a hunger strike.
However, Baine acknowledged that Besigye was indeed being held in solitary confinement, citing his high-profile status and significant influence as the reason. According to Baine, this measure was necessary to prevent excitement among other inmates, which could potentially compromise the safety and security of Luzira Maximum Prison.
Kizza Besigye’s health is reportedly deteriorating rapidly, with his lawyer, Erias Lukwago, revealing that he’s experiencing spasms and severe high blood pressure spikes. This alarming situation necessitates immediate medical evacuation, according to Lukwago.
Besigye’s condition has raised concerns among his supporters and human rights organizations, with Amnesty International calling for his immediate release, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling that trying civilians in military courts is unconstitutional.
Lukwago’s reluctance to confirm whether they’ll apply for bail under these circumstances suggests a cautious approach, likely due to the complexities surrounding Besigye’s detention. As the situation unfolds, it’s clear that Besigye’s health and well-being remain a top priority.
Eng. Winnie Byanyima, the wife of Dr. Kizza Besigye, has voiced her deep concerns, as well as those of their son, about Dr. Besigye’s life. These fears come amidst the opposition leader’s detention following his arrest in Nairobi, Kenya, alongside Hajji Obeid Kamulegeya.
The Ugandan government alleges that they were involved in mobilizing arms to destabilize the country. Dr. Besigye and Kamulegeya have disputed the circumstances of their arrest and refused to enter a plea to the charges.
