By Hillary Kiirya

JAILED Col. Kizza Besigye has been accorded a special diet prepared by the prison authorities.
Besigye had refused to eat food prepared by the prison for fear that he would be poisoned. He has, however, succumbed to the regulations and accepted to eat it.

The Commissioner of Prisons, Dr. John Byabashaija, said on phone yesterday that Besigye eats matooke (bananas), rice and meat everyday. He said for one to have a special diet, he or she has to undergo a medical check-up.

“Besigye underwent a medical check-up and it was recommended he be accorded a special diet. His concern was not about the diet but he was scared that his food would be poisoned and that is why he had requested that his food comes from outside. But how would we ensure that the food coming from outside was secure? We have to ensure his safety and that is why we have to prepare his food,” said Byabashaija. Other prisoners eat posho (maize meal) and beans and once in a while, they are given sweet potatoes.

Byabashaija said Besigye reads newspapers and also goes to the “boma grounds” (open area) to relax.

“He moves freely though the officer in charge keeps watch of him and others. I am, however, not yet aware of what he does there,” Byabashaija said.

He said Besigye’s recent visitors included his son Anselm, who visits in the company of his mother, Winnie Byanyima.