By February 17, 2025 – National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine, together with Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi and NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya, visited Luzira Upper Prison today to check on detained political figures, including Dr. Kizza Besigye, Bobi Young, and Obed Lutale.
Following the visit, Bobi Wine took to social media to express deep concern over Dr. Besigye’s worsening condition. He revealed that they were unable to see him in person because he was extremely frail and weak due to a hunger strike he has been on in protest of his detention. Bobi Wine stated:
“We passed by Luzira Upper Prison to check on Dr. Kizza Besigye, who has been on a hunger strike to protest against his illegal detention. We were not able to see him because he is very frail and weak. He sent a message to us through Hajj Obed Lutale Kamulegeya, who briefed us on his worrying state of health, to a point that he collapsed this morning. He demands his freedom and emphasizes that if the state has any legitimate case against him, he should be tried in a civilian court!”
Bobi Wine also reported that they managed to see other detained comrades, including Bobi Young, who sent warm greetings to supporters. He further emphasized that later in the day, he and other opposition leaders would convene to strategize on the next steps to demand the release of Dr. Besigye and other political prisoners.
Dr. Kizza Besigye, a former presidential candidate and fierce critic of President Yoweri Museveni’s government, has been detained under unclear circumstances, with his health now rapidly deteriorating. His hunger strike is a direct protest against what he describes as an “illegal detention.”
The Uganda Medical Association (UMA), through its Secretary General Dr. Joel Mirembe, has called for Besigye’s immediate release, stressing that even as a detainee, he has a right to proper medical treatment outside prison. The Church of Uganda, led by Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, has also joined the growing voices demanding his release, especially after witnessing his frail condition during his recent court appearance.
Dr. Besigye’s in-laws, the Byanyima family—closely linked to President Museveni’s upbringing—have expressed grave concern, revealing that prison authorities have requested Besigye’s personal doctor to assess his condition, a move that suggests his health is deteriorating further. Edith Byanyima, one of his close relatives, stated that whatever happens to Dr. Besigye should be directly blamed on President Museveni’s administration.
Bobi Wine reiterated the opposition’s commitment to increasing pressure on the government until Dr. Besigye and other political prisoners are freed.
“Later today, we shall meet with our compatriots from the other forces of change to discuss the other steps we must take to demand the freedom of Dr. Besigye and other political prisoners. In the meantime, we call upon all citizens to take whatever steps and actions to demand for their freedom,” Bobi Wine stated.
Dr. Besigye was recently rushed under tight security to a private clinic in Bugolobi after his condition worsened, sparking fears over his well-being. While prison authorities claim he is receiving medical care, his supporters argue that he requires specialized treatment outside prison.
The situation continues to attract national and international attention, with human rights activists urging the Ugandan government to respect due process and allow Dr. Besigye to seek proper medical treatment. The opposition and civil society groups remain steadfast in their demand for his immediate release.
