By Kabuye Ronald
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, has shared details from a recent visit to Luzira Prison, where he and other NUP leaders were unable to meet with Dr. Kizza Besigye due to the opposition leader’s frail condition. Authorities reportedly informed the delegation that Besigye was too weak to leave his bed, following a prolonged hunger strike.
Despite his deteriorating health, Bobi Wine relayed a message from Besigye, who remains determined. “He told us to fight not just for him, but for all political prisoners, especially those illegally detained, including those jailed by military courts,” Kyagulanyi said.
Besigye, a longtime opposition figure and four-time presidential candidate, has been on hunger strike since Wednesday, reportedly growing weaker by the day. His continued detention, despite a Supreme Court ruling ordering his release, has raised alarm within the opposition, with accusations of political persecution aimed at stifling dissent.
The NUP delegation, which also included Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi and NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya, managed to meet some other detained opposition figures, but were denied access to Besigye. Nonetheless, Kyagulanyi affirmed that, despite the harsh conditions, many detainees maintain a strong resolve.
“We will continue to advocate for Besigye’s release, as well as for the freedom of all political prisoners,” Kyagulanyi said. “This struggle for democracy in Uganda cannot be stopped by arrests or intimidation. Besigye tells us to keep fighting and never give up.”
Besigye, who has been in prison for nearly three months, was arrested on November 16, 2024, and charged with treason in a military court. His appearance during his last court hearing shocked supporters, as he appeared visibly weak and struggled to breathe.
Despite the Supreme Court’s order for Besigye’s release last month, authorities have yet to comply, drawing concerns over the government’s disregard for judicial rulings. On Sunday, reports emerged that Besigye had been moved to a medical facility at Bugolobi Village Mall for urgent treatment, under heavy security.
