Concerns have escalated in Parliament following a statement by the Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, suggesting that Dr. Kiiza Besigye’s life may be at risk while in detention. During Thursday’s session, Energy and Minerals Minister Ruth Nankabirwa expressed hope for Besigye’s safety and justice, emphasizing her prayers for his well-being.
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In response, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa tasked Parliament’s Human Rights Committee with visiting Luzira Prison to assess the conditions under which Besigye is being held. The committee, comprising members from the ruling NRM, the opposition, and independents, is expected to present its findings in the next plenary session. This follows allegations that Besigye has been denied access to food from his home and reports of his deteriorating health. Images circulating online show a frail Besigye during a recent court appearance, fueling speculation of a hunger strike in protest of prison food.
Bugiri Municipality MP Asuman Basalirwa questioned the practice of subjecting Besigye to restricted “cage discussions” during visits, calling for clarity on whether there has been a policy shift in prisoner interactions. Basalirwa, alongside other opposition MPs, demanded explanations from the Internal Affairs Minister, highlighting the importance of upholding prisoners’ rights.
Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi criticized the government for its failure to address ongoing concerns about Besigye’s detention, including allegations of rights violations. He accused ministers of evading accountability and warned that inaction could have dire consequences for Besigye’s health. Kiira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda further urged ruling NRM MPs to prioritize human rights issues, pointing out past instances where political figures from their own ranks faced similar injustices.
Dr. Besigye, a prominent opposition leader and former presidential candidate, was abducted in Nairobi, Kenya, in November 2024 while attending a book launch by Kenyan opposition figure Martha Karua. He resurfaced days later in a Ugandan military court, charged alongside FDC member Haji Obeid Lutale with security-related offenses. He has since been held at Luzira Maximum Security Prison.
As Parliament awaits updates on Besigye’s case, former Leader of the Opposition Mathias Mpuuga also pressed for information on 18 missing supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP), a matter the government has yet to address despite previous directives from the Speaker.
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