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.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa issued this directive amidst heated debate in Parliament, as opposition MPs demanded urgent intervention.
Dr. Besigye, a veteran opposition leader and four-time presidential candidate, is on remand alongside Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya. The Army General Court Martial has charged them with offenses related to security and possession of firearms. Recently, they faced an additional charge of treachery, along with Capt. Denis Ola, a soldier from the Armoured Brigade.
The urgency intensified after photos of Dr. Besigye’s frail appearance at Buganda Road Court surfaced on social media, sparking public concern. These images came a week after Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura alleged that Besigye had gone on a hunger strike to protest the prison’s refusal to allow food deliveries from his family.
Opposition MPs Demand Accountability
Opposition MPs criticized the government for its delay in addressing human rights violations at Luzira Prison. Francis Mwijukye (MP, Buhweju County) stressed that Parliament must act decisively.
“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, warning against a potential policy shift in the treatment of political prisoners. “Parliament cannot afford to wait until Tuesday. The treatment of Dr. Besigye raises serious questions about human rights violations,” Basalirwa argued.
The Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, drew comparisons to past failures, referencing the late Muhammad Ssegirinya (former MP, Kawempe North), who died in custody after allegedly being denied medical care. “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 implored.
Deputy Speaker’s Response
Deputy Speaker Tayebwa reassured Parliament of its commitment to safeguarding human rights. He instructed the Human Rights Committee to visit Dr. Besigye on Friday and submit a detailed report by Tuesday.
“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.
He also demanded that the government update Parliament on the status of 18 missing National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters, some feared dead, as raised by Mathias Mpuuga (MP, Nyendo-Mukungwe).
The treatment of Dr. Besigye has reignited debates about human rights violations in Uganda, particularly against political opponents. Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda (MP, Kira Municipality) warned NRM legislators that such abuses could affect them in the future.
“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 highlighted the tragic irony of Dr. Besigye’s situation, recalling his instrumental role in bringing the current regime to power. “It’s heartbreaking that someone who helped the NRM rise to power is now treated this way,” he said.
As public concern grows, Parliament’s response and the government’s statements will be closely scrutinized. For many, this case has become a litmus test for Uganda’s commitment to human rights and the rule of law.
Original article published by Parliament Watch Uganda.