In a recent visit to Luzira Prison, National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, along with other opposition leaders, revealed they were unable to meet with detained opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye due to his severely weakened state. The visit, intended to check on the well-being of political prisoners, brought to light the ongoing struggle for political freedom in Uganda.
Dr. Besigye, who has been on remand since November 16, 2024, and charged with treason before a military court, has been on a hunger strike since last Wednesday, protesting his continued detention which opposition figures argue is illegal. Despite a Supreme Court ruling ordering his release last month, authorities have yet to comply, a situation that has raised alarms about the government’s adherence to judicial decisions.
Bobi Wine, speaking after the visit, conveyed a message from Besigye, emphasizing solidarity and a broader fight against political persecution. “He told us to fight not just for him, but for all political prisoners, especially those illegally detained, including those jailed by military courts,” Bobi Wine stated.
The visit was not only about Besigye. Bobi Wine, alongside Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi and NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya, managed to meet with some other detainees, noting their high spirits despite the harsh conditions. However, the inability to see Besigye due to his frail health underscored the severity of his situation. Besigye was reportedly too weak to leave his bed, having collapsed that morning in an attempt to get up.
This incident has sparked widespread concern over Besigye’s health and the conditions within Luzira Prison. On Sunday, Besigye was taken under tight security to a medical facility at Bugolobi Village Mall for urgent treatment, highlighting the dire circumstances of his detention.
The opposition’s resolve remains strong, with Bobi Wine vowing to continue advocating for Besigye’s release and that of other political prisoners. “Besigye sends his energy and tells us to fight on. Don’t give up,” he added, encapsulating the spirit of resistance among Uganda’s opposition figures.
