Judge: Luzira Prison Can Handle Besigye Health Condition, He Should Stay There

Kampala High Court has declined to transfer Dr. Kizza Besigye, the veteran opposition leader, to a health facility outside Luzira Prison despite concerns about his deteriorating health. 

Justice Emmanuel Baguma ruled that there is no evidence suggesting Besigye’s health concerns can’t be handled within the prison.

“At this stage I have not seen any suggesting that his health concerns cannot be handled in Luzira prison. For now we shall wait for communication from the prison authorities if there is any change,” Baguma said.

Besigye, who’s facing treason charges, wasn’t present in court due to illness.

His lawyers led by Erias Lukwago argued he couldn’t walk to meet them, citing severe dehydration. The court adjourned the hearing for three weeks.

His wife Winnie Byanyima reported that Besigye had been rushed to a medical facility at Bugolobi Village Mall from Luzira Prison under heavy security after his health sharply deteriorated.

“I rushed there and found him on IV,” she said, adding that Besigye informed her he had been unable to walk and had to be wheeled into the facility.

The opposition party, People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), has raised alarm over Besigye’s health, stating he’s being denied adequate medical care and basic legal 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 statement read.

They’re demanding his release, citing violation of his rights.

Besigye has been in detention for over one year without trial, facing treason-related charges. His case has drawn criticism from human rights organisations and international observers, questioning the use of national security laws against opposition figures.

PFF and Uganda Prisons have given conflicting reports on Besigye’s health condition, as reported Here.

Besigye, 69, has been in detention since November 2024, facing treason charges linked to alleged plots to overthrow the government, with leaked audios attempting to pin him. (See Details Here and There).

Besigye previously consulted doctors abroad, after which he explained the treatment he was given, as reported Here.