Kizza Besigye, a long-time Ugandan opposition leader, was rushed to a hospital due to health complications from his ongoing hunger strike. He remains in detention after being charged in a military court. Public outcry has surged over his deteriorating condition, emphasizing concerns about political freedoms under President Yoweri Museveni.
Kizza Besigye, a prominent Ugandan opposition leader and four-time presidential candidate, is on a hunger strike that has lasted over a week. His health deteriorated significantly, leading to his urgent transfer to a hospital in Kampala on Sunday. Francis Mwijukye, a fellow lawmaker, confirmed via the X platform that Besigye was taken to a clinic within Bugolobi Village Mall while heavily guarded. He was reportedly brought in a wheelchair.
Besigye, an outspoken critic of President Yoweri Museveni, has been held at a maximum-security facility since last November. His lawyers allege that he was kidnapped in Kenya and forcefully returned to Uganda, where he faces charges in a military court for several offenses, including illegal weapon possession. Notably, Uganda’s Supreme Court recently deemed the prosecution of civilians in military courts unconstitutional, prompting a rapid transition of Besigye’s case to civilian courts.
Chris Baryomunsi, Uganda’s Information Minister, revealed in a post on X that he visited Besigye at Luzira prison and spoke to him about resuming food intake while the government expedited the transfer of his case to civil court. The situation has ignited widespread outrage among the public and fellow opposition figures, including pop star Bobi Wine, who demand Besigye’s release and access to medical care.
The public reaction intensified after Besigye was visibly weak during a court appearance last Friday, struggling to walk and speak. His lawyers expressed serious concerns regarding his rapidly declining health following a visit last week. Besigye’s long-standing presence in the Ugandan opposition landscape has drawn national and international scrutiny, raising alarms about political freedoms in the country.
Kizza Besigye’s worsening health while in detention highlights significant concerns regarding political oppression and human rights in Uganda. The international attention surrounding his case underscores the implications for political freedoms in the country, particularly the lawful treatment of opposition figures. The response from the public and political leaders likely indicates growing unrest regarding the government’s handling of dissent.
Original Source: saharareporters.com
