The Uganda Prisons Service has dismissed reports claiming that opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye was rushed to hospital overnight in critical condition.
Prisons spokesperson Frank Baine Mayanja confirmed that while Besigye did see his doctor at night, his health is not deteriorating.
“The hospital visit was part of Besigye’s routine monthly medical check-up. He has since returned to Luzira Prison and is continuing with his normal daily activities,” Baine said.
Earlier today, the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) expressed concern over Besigye’s health while in detention.
In a statement, the party said it had received credible reports indicating that Besigye was rushed late at night from Luzira Prison to a medical facility at Bugolobi Village Mall under heavy security.
“It is a tragedy that a man who has dedicated his life to the health and freedom of others is now being denied his own right to medical dignity,” the statement read. “We hold the regime and prison authorities fully accountable for his well-being.”
The PFF demanded that Besigye’s personal doctors and family be granted immediate and unrestricted access to him. The party further reiterated that Besigye is being held in total disregard of the law and called for his immediate release to allow him to receive proper medical care.
“He must be freed to receive the care he deserves,” the statement added.
According to the charge sheet, Besigye, Obeid Lutale, and Capt. Denis Oola were allegedly abducted in Nairobi in 2024 after attending a book launch hosted by Kenyan politician Martha Karua.
Prosecutors allege that the trio later travelled to Switzerland, Greece, and Kenya, where they attended both physical and virtual meetings allegedly aimed at plotting the overthrow of the Ugandan government, in collaboration with operatives based in Geneva, Athens, Nairobi, and Kampala.
They are also accused of failing to report knowledge of the alleged treasonous activities between 2023 and November 2024, contrary to Ugandan law.
