Govt says took Besigye to private clinic for 'some medical checks'

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Opposition doyen Dr Kizza Besigye has undergone medical tests at a private clinic in Bugolobi, Kampala city.

Information minister Chris Baryomunsi on February 17, 2025, said the frail-looking Besigye was taken to the clinic on Sunday evening for “some medical checks”.

“Dr Besigye wasn’t taken to Bugolobi clinic because he was in the worst condition but they were going to carry out some medical checks,” he said while appearing on one of the morning TV talk-shows in Kampala.

The minister also said the reason Besigye looked weak is that he is on a hunger strike at Luzira Maximum Security Prison in Kampala, where he and his long-time friend, Hajji Obeid Lutale, are being incarcerated.

“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. The reason Dr Besigye looked weak is that he is on a hunger strike,” he said.

Baryomunsi, who is a medical doctor by training, also said he saw Besigye on a hunger strike, he was like, “no, you take food”.

He implored him to resume his meals and they expedite the legal processes.

“I was there with his private doctors and they wanted to carry out tests. That’s how Dr Besigye was taken to Bugolobi clinic, which is a clinic run by one of his doctors,” he said.

Besigye and Lutale were incarcerated by the General Court Martial in November 2024 over charges that include possessing two pistols and eight bullets.

They are also standing trial for allegedly soliciting military support overseas to destabilise Uganda’s national security.

Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister, Norbert Mao, said on Monday that all concerned offices will abide by the Supreme Court's recent ruling stopping the trial of civilians in military courts.

He said on X, formerly Twitter, that the Attorney General (AG), the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Principal Judge are liaising with the Court Martial.

“The DPP’s team is ready to take over the cases. The AG has instructed the Court Martial to transfer the files. The trials will be in the High Court,” Mao, who doubles as Democratic Party president said.

What family says

Besigye’s wife Winnie Byanyima said in a statement on Sunday that they received an unexpected request to bring Besigye’s personal doctor to visit him in detention.

“This (request) coming after authorities had repeatedly denied him access to his own doctor is worrying. We are forced to speak out now because we believe the worst may be imminent,” the statement that was read by Edith Byanyima on behalf of the family reads in part.

Besigye and Lutale were arrested in 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.