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.
The PFF 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, the PFF said. They demanded that Besigye's personal doctors and family be granted immediate and unrestricted access to him.
Speaking to a local TV station, Besigye's wife, Winnie Byanyima, reported that her husband had complained of acute stomach pain, a high temperature, and dehydration. This is not the first time the veteran opposition leader has required medical intervention while detained. Last February, he was reported critically ill after a hunger strike demanding justice. Besigye has previously accused the authorities of political persecution.
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.
The PFF 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, the PFF said. They demanded that Besigye's personal doctors and family be granted immediate and unrestricted access to him.
Speaking to a local TV station, Besigye's wife, Winnie Byanyima, reported that her husband had complained of acute stomach pain, a high temperature, and dehydration. This is not the first time the veteran opposition leader has required medical intervention while detained. Last February, he was reported critically ill after a hunger strike demanding justice. Besigye has previously accused the authorities of political persecution.
