Besigye in stable condition—Prisons Service
Frank Baine, the UPS spokesperson, told the New Vision by phone on Monday (February 17) that Besigye was taken back to Luzira Prison after undergoing some medical tests at a private clinic in Bugolobi, Kampala.
The Uganda Prisons Service has said the Opposition doyen, Dr Kizza Besigye, is in stable condition but still on a hunger strike. (File photo)
NewVision Reporter
@NewVision
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The Uganda Prisons Service has said the Opposition doyen, Dr Kizza Besigye, is in stable condition but still on a hunger strike, taking oral rehydration salts and water.
Frank Baine, the UPS spokesperson, told the New Vision by phone on Monday (February 17) that Besigye was taken back to Luzira Prison after undergoing some medical tests at a private clinic in Bugolobi, Kampala.
“He was taken to the clinic [on Sunday evening] because his doctor wanted to carry out some tests which he couldn’t do from within Luzira Prison. His doctor carried out the tests and finished,” he said.
Baine emphasised that Besigye was not taken to the private clinic because he was “so critical”.
“It was a decision by his doctor to take him there. Otherwise, he has no problem. He is in a very stable condition but still on his hunger strike. He is, however, taking oral rehydration salts and water,” he said.
Besigye and his long-time friend, Hajji Obeid Lutale, were incarcerated at Luzira Prison in Kampala by the General Court Martial in November 2024 over charges that include possessing two pistols and eight bullets.
They are also standing trial for soliciting military support overseas to destabilise Uganda’s national security.
They were arrested in the Kenyan capital Nairobi on November 16, 2024, while they were allegedly heading for the launch of National Rainbow Coalition party leader Martha Karua’s book.
ICT minister Chris Baryomunsi said on Monday that the reason Besigye looked weak is that he is on a hunger strike.
“When I visited Dr Besigye, yes, he is weak, but from a medical standpoint, he is not in that condition where you would be extremely worried,” he said while appearing on one of the morning TV talk shows in Kampala.
Baryomunsi, who is a medical doctor by training, also said when he saw Besigye on a hunger strike, he was like, “No, you take food”.
He also said he implored the four-time presidential candidate to resume his meals as they expedite the legal processes.
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