Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s aide and Deputy Spokesperson Faruk Kirunda shared details about the condition of opposition leader Kizza Besigye, with reports indicating that his health had deteriorated.
In a statement on Monday, February 17, 2025, Kirunda said there was already a process in place for transferring his case to the civilian court.
“I appreciate the concerns on Dr. Besigye’s case and sympathise with the family. However, there is no need for alarm but rather understanding of what has to be done,” he said.
Further, he noted that the Director of Public Prosecution has indicated that steps have already been taken, and they must comply with the decision of the Supreme Court.
Besigye in jail
According to his statement, Besigye is not under any military detention, hence his family can visit him at Luzira prison.
Moreover, Kirunda said that his family can see him after consultation with the prison’s authorities.
“If he is on hunger strike, the family should encourage him to accept nourishment as his legal team prepares to secure his bail or any other relief,” he stated.
Besides, the president’s views on the Supreme Court ruling have nothing to do with Besigye’s detention.
Museveni’s aide further argued that it is the process that is taking some time, and the concerned parties should do their part to conclude the case.
Ugandan politician rushed to hospital
A Ugandan Member of Parliament Francis Mwijukye through his X account revealed that Dr. Kizza Besigye has been hospitalized.
He stated that Besigye was rushed to a clinic at Bugolobi Village Mall under tight security deployment.
“He was being pushed in a wheelchair,” he added.
Additionally, Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi said that he had visited Kizza, and he was in the presence of his doctors.
“I have given him counsel and asked him to resume taking food as the government fast tracks the transfer of his case,” he said.
Also Read: Dr. Kizza Besigye Goes on Hunger Strike in Prison
Bobi Wine’s call
Bobi Wine, a Ugandan politician called for an end to the ongoing trials and tribulations of Besigye.
He asserted that the detention remains illegal, and he should not face persecution.
Wine, a critic of Museveni called on Ugandans to rally behind the politician and call out the government for the illegal detention.
On Monday, February 17, Wine claimed that the state had stopped him and his supporters from accessing Besigye.
He was also concerned after reports emerged that the veteran politician had collapsed.
“We passed by Luzira Upper Prison to check on Dr. Kizza Besigye who has been on a hunger strike to protest against his illegal detention. We were not able to see him because he is very frail and weak,” said Wine.
The politician added, “He sent a message to us through Hajj Obed Lutale Kamulegeya who briefed us on his worrying state of health, to a point that he collapsed this morning.”
Also Read: Besigye Wife Reveals Details of His Abduction in Nairobi
Winnie Announced Besigye Hunger Strike
The wife of Besigye, Winnie Byanyima made revealed that her husband was on a hunger strike.
“Kizza Besigye is on hunger strike, detained illegally by a regime that fears his defiance more than it respects the law,” she said.
Besigye started a hunger strike barely three (3) months after his detention.
However, Byanyima insisted that her husband’s detention was an attack on the people of Uganda.
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