Inside Besigye’s Cell: His Wife Reveals Horror Details as Family Pens Emotional Letter to Museveni

Winnie Byanyima, the wife of Uganda’s opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye, has revealed troubling details about the prison where the Ugandan military is detaining him.

In a statement dated Monday, February 17, Byanyima described the conditions of his confinement, mentioning the numerous security barriers she had to navigate before reaching his cell.

“I visited Kizza Besigye in his prison cell today. I went through about six or seven locked doors before arriving at his room, which is located along a dark and narrow corridor. He was lying on a small bed that took up the entire length of the room.

A pile of old newspapers and two worn cardboard boxes next to his bed left enough space for only one stool to sit on,” part of the statement read.

Winnie Byanyima Reveals Details of Prison Where Besigye is Locked

According to Byanyima, the cell her husband is locked in is reserved for suspected terrorists. She expressed her concern noting that individuals like Besigye, who have committed no offense, should not be subjected to such inhumane treatment.

Also Read: Museveni’s Aide Gives Way Forward on Besigye’s Detention

She further expressed concern for her husband’s health, stating that he was weak, had lost a significant amount of weight, and had not eaten for five days.

“Kizza Besigye is weak, has lost alarming weight, and is dizzy—he hasn’t eaten in five days. This is not just illegal detention; it is kidnapping. I am outraged and demand that President Museveni and his son, the army chief, release him immediately. He is a citizen with rights—just like them!” Byanyima added.

Ugandan Opposition Leader’s Family Writes to Museveni Regarding His Detention

On Tuesday, February 18, Winnie and Besigye’s family penned an emotional letter to President Yoweri Museveni’s administration regarding his continued illegal detention, which they claim directly violates court orders.

In the letter, the family mentioned that a few days ago, like many Ugandans, they awoke to the news that Dr. Kizza Besigye had begun a hunger strike to protest his ongoing detention—a fact that some officials are now attempting to deny, alleging that he is “sick”.

“This denial fills us, his family, with terror about what may be planned. Last night, we received an unexpected request to bring Dr. Besigye’s personal doctor to visit him in detention—this after authorities had repeatedly denied him access to his own doctors,” the letter stated.

Furthermore, the letter emphasized that Dr. Besigye’s detention by President Museveni’s administration continues to defy court orders.

Also Read: Besigye Goes on Hunger Strike in Prison

The family described the opposition leader’s current detention, without any legal basis, as state-sanctioned kidnapping.

Additionally, the letter stated that President Museveni bears direct personal responsibility for Dr. Besigye’s safety and well-being.

“Should any harm come to him while in illegal detention, the world will know exactly where accountability lies. No official denial, no bureaucratic obfuscation, and no political maneuvering will obscure this truth. History will judge this moment, and it will judge you for choosing to subvert justice for political expedience,” read the letter.

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