Uganda’s opposition People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) said early Tuesday that the health of veteran dissident Dr Kizza Besigye had reached a ‘critical state,’ claiming he was rushed overnight from prison to a medical facility under heavy security.
In a statement posted on X at 2:31am on January 20, PFF said it had received ‘credible reports’ that Besigye was transferred from Luzira Prison to a medical facility in Kampala.
‘The People’s Front for Freedom wishes to inform the public and all supporters of freedom that the health of our leader, Dr Kizza Besigye, has reached a critical and deteriorating state,’ the party said, without specifying the condition he is battling.
‘We have received credible reports that Dr. Besigye was rushed in the night from Luzira Prison to a medical facility at Bugolobi Village Mall under heavy security,’ it added.
The party accused Ugandan authorities of denying Besigye proper medical care, noting that his 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,’ PFF said, adding: ‘We hold the regime and the prison authorities fully accountable for his well-being.”
PFF demanded that Besigye’s personal doctors and family be granted immediate and unrestricted access, reiterating that he was being held ‘in total disregard of the law.’
‘He must be freed to receive the care he deserves,’ the statement said, calling on supporters to remain vigilant and keep the opposition leader ‘in your prayers.’
Monitor could not immediately verify the claims as prison authorities were yet to respond to our calls for comment by press time mid-morning Tuesday.
Besigye, a former personal doctor to President Museveni and one of his longest-serving political rivals, has unsuccessfully challenged the Ugandan leader in four elections.
He has been in detention for more than 350 days without trial, following his rendition from Nairobi and is facing treason-related charges.
During their last appearance before the Kampala High Court on December 30, 2025, Besigye, co-accused Obed Lutale and Capt Denis Oola entered not-guilty pleas by court order after declining to plead.
Justice Emmanuel Baguma later adjourned the case to January 21, 2026, for scheduling. Besigye and co-accused are expected to appear in court on that day.
‘Unprincipled blackmail?’
Early last year, Besigye was also reported critically ill after he went on hunger strike demanding justice.
In response, Museveni said: ‘Is that not unprincipled blackmail?’ Museveni asked. ‘How can you be accused of serious crimes and then your response is hunger strike to generate sympathy for getting bail? Why don’t you demand a quick trial?’
Museveni maintained that there was a government hospital in the prison to cater for Besigye and all inmates.