In brief
Kizza Besigye, a detained veteran Ugandan opposition leader, is in critical health after being taken to a hospital for severe dehydration and acute stomach pain. His party, the People's Front for Freedom (PFF), states that his condition has deteriorated significantly. In contrast, prison officials claim that his situation is not dire. Besigye has been in detention since November 2024, facing serious charges including treason. His family and party are demanding better medical care for him amidst ongoing political tensions in Uganda.
The health of detained veteran Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye has reached a critical and deteriorating state, his party says, after he was taken overnight to a medical facility in the capital, Kampala.
The 69-year-old politician was driven to a private medical facility under heavy security, the People's Front for Freedom (PFF) party said, without specifying what he is suffering from.
However, prison authorities denied that Besigye's health was dire, describing his overnight visit to a doctor as a general check-up.
Besigye, a former personal doctor to President Yoweri Museveni and one of his longest-standing political rivals, has been in detention since November 2024.
The PFF leader was charged in a military court with treason, which carries the death sentence, as well as illegal possession of a firearm and threatening national security. He denies the accusations.
Last month, a court denied him bail for the fourth time, stating that it was too early to release him as he had not yet entered his plea.
In a statement on Tuesday, the PFF accused Ugandan authorities of denying Besigye proper medical care, highlighting that continued detention amounted to a violation of his basic rights.
It is a tragedy that a man who has dedicated his life to the health and freedom of others is being denied his own right to medical dignity, the statement read.
In recent days, there have been mounting demands from his family, political allies, and human rights organizations for him to receive immediate and appropriate medical care.
This incident comes amidst ongoing tensions in Uganda, where President Museveni was recently declared the winner of the presidential election amid allegations of irregularities and political repression. The situation underscores the fragile political atmosphere in Uganda as calls for reform and better treatment of political opponents grow stronger.
