National Unity Platform (NUP) boss Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, has accused the government of deliberately keeping Besigye behind the coolers despite his failing health.
Speaking after a visit to Luzira on Monday, Bobi revealed that Besigye has been on a hunger strike since Wednesday last week, further weakening his condition.
“We had gone to check on Dr. Kizza Besigye, Obed Lutale, Bobby Young, and many other political prisoners,” Kyagulanyi said.
He further stated : “We were not able to see Dr. Besigye because we were told he is very weak and unable to leave his bed unsupported. However, we saw Hajji Obed and Bobby Young. They are in high spirits, but they informed us that Dr. Besigye has been on a hunger strike since Wednesday, and he is growing increasingly weak.”
Bobi relayed a message from Besigye, saying, “He told us to fight not just for him, but for all political prisoners, especially those still incarcerated illegally by the military court. He sent positive energy and urged us not to give up.”
Bobi also trashed statements made by ICT Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi regarding Besigye’s condition.
“We learned that Baryomunsi visited him yesterday, and Besigye was shocked to see him. He did not speak to him. So, whatever Baryomunsi is telling the nation are his own words, not those of Dr. Besigye.” he affirmed
Former Leader of Opposition Winnie Kiiza, who was part of the opposition delegation alongside Ssenyonyi, Kyagulanyi, NUP Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya, and Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) Coordinator Alice Alaso, condemned Besigye’s continued detention.
“Dr. Kizza Besigye is being held in Luzira illegally. For any human being in his condition, the right place for him should be a hospital. The court that sentenced him has been declared incapable by the Supreme Court. It was a military court that should never have tried a civilian. Yet those in power choose to violate the law simply because they have the gun.” Kiiza stated.
Kiiza warned that the continued mistreatment of Besigye could have dire consequences for the nation.
“An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us. What Dr. Besigye is going through today could happen to any one of us tomorrow. We must all stand against this kind of impunity, military rule, and mismanagement of Uganda’s affairs. The constitution gives us the power to resist injustice, and we must use every effort to say no to dictatorship.” she added
She further cautioned the government, saying, “They are playing with a powder keg. This continued mismanagement of Besigye’s life could plunge this country into chaos beyond their ability to control. If they truly care about the good of this country, including their own safety, they must release him alive and not as a dead body. Ugandans will not accept anything less.”
