Ugandan veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye while in court on Friday, 14 February, 2025. Photo/ Newsflash
By Wesley Koech
The new look of the Ugandan Opposition leader and four-time presidential candidate, Dr Kizza Besigye, has raised concerns over his health status.
While appearing at Buganda Road Chief Magistrate court on Friday, 16 February 2025, his supporters noted his emaciated body as he struggled to stay put during his court’s proceedings.
Demanding for his freedom, Ugandan opposition politician and former Member of Parliament Bobi Wine said that President Yoweri Museveni’s regime had violated the Constitution by detaining Besigye without trial.
According to him, the government had ha hidden agenda of silencing Besigye through ruthless acts that undermine humanity and derail his health.
“He is evidently sick and frail, and in need of urgent medical attention. Perhaps his shocking images look good to Museveni, who is persecuting him, and his son, who says that Dr Besigye will only come out of prison in a coffin or after kneeling down before his brutal father!” he said.
The politician-cum-musician further said that Besigye’s tribulations resemble the problems Ugandans are going through.
He rallied Ugandans to stand up to ensure that the veteran opposition leader is released.
“I call upon all citizens of the world to join us in demanding for the immediate freedom of Kizza Besigye and other prisoners of conscience. While these are definitely very dark times for our country, I want us to find courage,” he added.
On the other hand, Kenya’s controversial lawyer and activist Miguna Miguna called out Museveni for detaining Besigye.
“Dr Besigye requires urgent medical attention. Free him! His health is deteriorating at an alarming rate due to continued illegal detention and torture,” said the lawyer.
Besigye had protested against his detention through hunger strike by not taking either food or water. This, according to the police reports, made him miss a previous court proceeding since he was weak and could not walk.
Amnesty International, a global human rights organization, termed the detention illegal and unconstitutional.
“This travesty of justice must stop. Authorities must respect court orders and immediately release Besigye and others,” said Tigere Chagutah, the organisation’s regional director.
