A group of medical professionals has petitioned the government to grant bail to Dr. Kizza Besigye to allow him access to specialized medical care.
In a statement issued yesterday, the group—led by former Uganda Medical Association president Dr. Ekwaro Obuku—revealed that over 1,400 medical practitioners, including doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and allied health professionals, signed the petition titled “Petition for Dr. Besigye’s Medical Release.” They emphasized that Besigye is a respected member of the medical fraternity’s Elders Forum. Dr. Obuku attached a sample list of 33 petitioners.
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The petition calls for Besigye’s immediate release from Luzira Maximum Prison, citing his fragile health and the need for medical attention from specialists of his choice.
Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and former personal physician to President Museveni during the Bush War, was arrested in November in Nairobi and extradited to Uganda, where he was charged with treason and security-related offenses before a military court. His detention has sparked debate over judicial independence, especially after the Supreme Court ruled that civilians should not be tried in military courts.
Media reports indicate that Besigye, who had been on a hunger strike in protest of his detention, has since ended the strike, but his health remains delicate. His lawyer, Erias Lukwago, made an urgent plea in Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court for his release to seek specialized treatment, but the prosecution objected, arguing that prison medical services were sufficient. The presiding magistrate, Esther Nyadoi, stated that she lacked jurisdiction to grant such a request in a capital offense case but confirmed that Besigye would no longer be tried in a military court.
The petitioning medics argue that Besigye is being denied access to quality healthcare despite the availability of senior medical professionals willing to treat him free of charge. They contend that, like any patient, he should not be restricted to the nearest health facility but should receive the best possible care in an environment that ensures confidentiality and proper treatment.
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