AGAIN! Besigye Rushed from Luzira Prison to Hospital Under Cover of Darkness — Winnie Byanyima

KAMPALA — Veteran opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye has again been moved from Luzira Prison to a hospital after his health reportedly deteriorated, with his wife, Winnie Byanyima, describing his condition as extremely weak.

Byanyima said Besigye was transferred from Luzira Prison to the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC) Hospital after dark on Friday, August 28, 2026.

The latest transfer comes weeks after Besigye collapsed during court proceedings and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at Mulago National Referral Hospital before being returned to Luzira Prison despite continued concerns over his health.

In an emotional statement, Byanyima said her husband is struggling with basic physical functions and appealed to authorities to allow him to leave Uganda for specialised treatment in Geneva, Switzerland.

“After dark, Dr Kizza Besigye was moved from Luzira Prison to JCRC hospital today.

“He is still very weak. He struggles to walk, speak, write or even hold anything steadily.”

Byanyima said she wants to take Besigye to Geneva where, she argues, he can receive medical attention while surrounded by his family.

“I am asking for one thing – let me bring him home to Geneva for proper medical care, surrounded by his family.”

The latest hospital transfer has renewed questions about the treatment of the detained opposition leader, who has remained in custody while facing criminal proceedings.

Byanyima recalled Besigye’s long history of arrests and court cases, arguing that his record shows he has never attempted to evade the justice system.

“He has been arrested more than 50 times. He has faced case after case. He has never run away from justice.”

She questioned why authorities continue moving her husband between prison and medical facilities while he remains in poor health.

“Why drag a sick man from place to place? Why deny him the care of his family? Why force a trial on a man too ill to defend himself?”

Byanyima ended her statement with a blunt condemnation of what she considers the treatment of her husband.

“He needs care, not cruelty.

“This is not justice. It is persecution.”

Besigye’s health has been a growing concern since July, when he collapsed during proceedings in his case and was subsequently taken to Mulago Hospital. His family later reported that he remained severely weak and had difficulty walking and speaking.

He was eventually returned to Luzira Prison on August 7, a move that triggered strong criticism from his family and political associates.

The latest transfer to JCRC now marks another chapter in the continuing health crisis surrounding the detained opposition figure.

Byanyima’s appeal for Besigye to be allowed to travel to Geneva also places renewed focus on the family’s demand for specialised treatment outside Uganda.

For now, Besigye remains in custody while receiving treatment at JCRC, according to his wife.

It should be remembered that a recent medical report revealed that Besigye was unable to speak and write, but authorities removed him from hospital and took him to a prison cell, while sending away his sisters. (See Details Here and There).

In court, Mzungu witness Orlando Wilson is making shocking allegations against Besigye regarding an alleged plot to assassinate Museveni, even as some of his evidence was seized by Kenyan Police and some of his available Videos and audios are painful to watch and hear. (See Details Here and There).

Relatedly, Museveni has reportedly given Salim Saleh Powers to forgive Besigye but the opposition leader is not seeking Museveni’s forgiveness, as detailed Here and There.