Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who also serves as the lawyer for detained opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, has demanded that his client receive specialized medical treatment at a facility of his choosing, citing serious health concerns.
Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate, was rushed from Luzira Prison to a private clinic in Bugolobi on Sundayafter his condition deteriorated. The transfer followed a visit from ICT Minister Chris Baryomunsi, who was accompanied by Besigye’s personal doctor.
“I have visited Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye at Luzira Prison in the presence of his doctor. I have given him counsel and asked him to resume taking food as the government fast-tracks the transfer of his case from the Court Martial to a civil court,”Baryomunsi said.
However, Lukwago dismissed Baryomunsi’s claims that Besigye’s condition was solely due to dehydration from his hunger strike. He insisted that the opposition leader’s health had deteriorated beyond what the government was admitting and required urgent specialized care.
“The report from the doctors at the Bugolobi clinic is alarming. The claim that Besigye is simply weak from not eating is misleading. The doctor’s assessment this morning is more concerning, requiring treatment in a better-equipped facility,” said Lukwago.
He further emphasized that Besigye should be allowed to choose his medical facility, whether in Uganda or abroad.
“Yesterday, he was taken to Bugolobi in a wheelchair. But that clinic is not Besigye’s choice, and we all know hospitals are not equal. He should be allowed to seek treatment at a facility of his choosing, even if it means seeking care abroad,”Lukwago insisted.
Meanwhile, a delegation from the National Unity Platform (NUP) and other opposition groups, led by Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), was denied access to Besigye at Luzira Prison. While the group was allowed to visit other political prisoners, authorities barred them from seeing Besigye, despite reports of his deteriorating health.
Efforts to reach Prisons Spokesperson Frank Baine for comment were unsuccessful.
On January 31, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that trying civilians in military courts is unconstitutional. However, Besigye and his co-accused, Hajji Obed Lutale, remain in detention due to unresolved legal and bureaucratic hurdles.
Last week, during a court appearance, Besigye appeared visibly weak and struggled to breathe, sparking concerns from supporters. The opposition leader has been on remand for nearly three months, following his November 16, 2024, arrest on treason charges before a military court.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Calls for Immediate Release of Dr. Kizza Besigye
The following statement was issued today by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, regarding the continued detention of Dr. Kizza Besigye in Uganda.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland KC stated:
“Uganda is a long-standing and valued member of the Commonwealth, having committed to the Commonwealth Charter, which upholds the fundamental values of human rights, good governance, and the rule of law.
We are therefore deeply troubled by the continued detention of Dr. Kizza Besigye, Haji Obeid Lutale, and Eron Kiiza, which undermines the Supreme Court of Uganda’s ruling on 31 January 2025 and contradicts the principles of democracy, justice, and the rule of law.
The reported abduction of Dr. Besigye and Haji Obeid Lutale in Nairobi, Kenya, on 16 November 2024, and their subsequent detention, disregard the authority of Uganda’s Supreme Court and the basic principles of justice. Their continued imprisonment raises serious concerns about Uganda’s commitment to upholding the rule of law—a key tenet of the Commonwealth Charter.
I am also deeply concerned by reports regarding Dr. Besigye’s deteriorating health and urge Ugandan authorities to ensure that he receives immediate and adequate medical care.
We call for the immediate and unconditional release of all individuals improperly detained. Alongside the international community, we will continue to closely monitor the situation.
The Commonwealth Secretariat stands ready to engage with the Government of Uganda, opposition leaders, and regional stakeholders to seek a peaceful resolution that upholds the country’s constitutional sovereignty and democratic integrity.
The Commonwealth has always valued its relationship with Uganda and looks forward to seeing a return to an inclusive and democratic political environment, in full alignment with the Commonwealth Charter.”
