Mahamoud Ali Youssouf the newly elected Chair of African Union voiced his concern regarding Dr. Kizza Besigye’s Health condition on his official X (twitter) platform assuring netizens that African Union stands for the protection of fundamental rights.
“The deteriorating health and subsequent emergency evacuation of Dr. Kiiza Besigye from Luzira Prison are deeply concerning. His decades long fight for democracy and human rights in Uganda cannot be ignored, and his well being must be safeguarded. I call upon the Ugandan authorities to uphold justice, ensure his full access to medical care, and immediately secure his release.”
“The African Union stands for the protection of fundamental rights no leader, activist, or citizen should suffer persecution for their political beliefs.,” he added in his statement.
President Museveni, however, has dismissed the outcry as mere theatrics, insisting that Besigye should demand a “quick trial” rather than resorting to hunger strikes for “sympathy”.
In a strongly worded statement, Museveni argued that Uganda’s judicial system must take its course a claim opposition figures have dismissed as an attempt to prolong Besigye’s suffering.
Dr. Kizza Besigye has reportedly suffered severe health complications while in detention at Luzira Prison prompting an emergency evacuation.
Besigye who has spent decades challenging President Museveni’s rule has been on a hunger strike in protest of what he calls unjust imprisonment.
His deteriorating health has now become a rallying cry for human rights activists, opposition politicians, and international bodies demanding his immediate release.
Besigye’s arrest and prolonged detention have long been a point of contention in Uganda’s politics. Once Museveni’s personal physician, he later became his fiercest critic facing repeated arrests, harassment, and political intimidation.
His current predicament is a stark reminder of Uganda’s deep-seated struggle with political protest and the shrinking space for opposition voices.
While the government insists that Besigye has access to medical care, critics argue that his continued detention, despite court rulings in his favor is evidence of Uganda’s selective application of justice.
His supporters argue that his treatment reflects a systematic effort to silence opposition leaders through legal manipulation, intimidation, and imprisonment.
