By A coalition of medical professionals has formally petitioned the government, urging the release of veteran opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye on bail to allow him access to specialized healthcare.
In a press statement issued yesterday, the group—led by former Uganda Medical Association president Dr. Ekwaro Obuku—revealed that over 1,400 healthcare professionals, including medical doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and allied health practitioners, had signed the “Petition for Dr. Besigye’s Medical Release.” They emphasized that Dr. Besigye is a respected member of the “Elders Forum” within the medical fraternity.
Dr. Obuku attached a sample list of petitioners containing the names of 33 medical professionals.
“We continue to call for the immediate release of our esteemed colleague, Dr. Kizza Besigye, whose health remains fragile in Luzira Maximum Prison. He must be granted access to the highest standard of medical care, provided by specialists of his choice, in accordance with best practices for prisoner healthcare,” the petition states.
Dr. Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery (MB.ChB) from Makerere University and previously served as President Museveni’s personal physician during the Bush War (1981–1986).
He was arrested in November in Nairobi, Kenya, and extradited to Uganda, where he was charged with security-related offenses and treason before a military court. His detention has sparked widespread debate regarding judicial independence, especially following last month’s Supreme Court ruling, which deemed it unconstitutional for civilians to be tried in military courts.
Reports indicate that Dr. Besigye had been on a hunger strike in protest against his detention at Luzira Prison, further deteriorating his health. However, his lawyer, Erias Lukwago, confirmed last Friday that he had since ended the hunger strike.
Dr. Obuku noted that despite ending the hunger strike, Dr. Besigye’s condition remains critical.
Last Friday, Dr. Besigye appeared before the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court in a frail state, unable to walk unassisted, as he officially began his trial in a civilian court. Chief Magistrate Esther Nyadoi read out charges of treason filed by the Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution against Dr. Besigye, his aide Obeid Lutale, and UPDF soldier Capt. Denis Oola.
Despite a passionate plea from defense lawyer Erias Lukwago for Dr. Besigye to be granted access to specialized medical treatment outside prison, the request was denied.
Prosecutor Lino Anguzu opposed the appeal, stating, “Decisions must be guided by evidence. It must first be established whether prison medical services are incapable of handling his condition.”
Magistrate Nyadoi ruled that she lacked the jurisdiction to grant such a request in a capital offense case.
“My role in this matter is limited to communicating the charges to the accused. Once investigations are complete, the case will be committed to the High Court for trial,” she stated. However, she confirmed that Dr. Besigye and his co-accused would no longer be tried in a military court.
The medical professionals emphasized in their petition that Dr. Besigye is being denied access to appropriate healthcare.
“We all understand that when we fall sick, we do not necessarily seek treatment from the nearest Health Center IV. However, Dr. Besigye is being forced to rely on limited prison healthcare facilities, despite his ability to access far superior medical care. In fact, numerous senior medical consultants have expressed their willingness to provide treatment to him free of charge in an environment that ensures confidentiality and privacy—conditions that cannot be met in Luzira Prison,” the petition further states.
The petitioners continue to press for urgent action, citing the fundamental right to adequate medical care for all individuals, including those in detention.
