Dr. Kiiza Besigye, a former presidential candidate, has stopped communicating with prison authorities, according to Uganda Prisons Services. This revelation came from Commissioner General Johnson Byabashaija during a meeting with Parliament’s Human Rights Committee.
Byabashaija explained that Besigye’s decision to cease communication stems from concerns about his safety, raised by a close relative. As a result, the Prisons Service has altered his security protocols and now conducts interactions with him via video link.
The Commissioner General also addressed reports that Besigye had been restricted from accessing food, legal counsel, and family visits. Byabashaija denied these claims, stating that Besigye had designated three people to bring him food and had never lacked supplies.
Additionally, Byabashaija defended the decision to hold Besigye in solitary confinement, citing concerns about his safety and the potential for him to incite other prisoners. Besigye is currently facing treachery charges before the General Court Martial in Makindye, and his trial is set to continue on February 3.
Byabashaija dismissed reports of Besigye being denied food, legal representation, and family visits, stating that Besigye had designated three people to bring him food and had never lacked supplies. However, concerns about Besigye’s solitary confinement and its impact on his mental health have been raised by MPs and human rights groups.
The Prisons Commissioner General defended the decision to isolate Besigye, citing concerns about his safety and potential unrest among fellow inmates. However, MPs have argued that this isolation is excessive and unjustified, violating Besigye’s rights under the Prisons Act.
