By The Uganda Medical Association (UMA) has urged the government to provide a comprehensive report on the health condition of Dr. Kizza Besigye and facilitate his transfer to Mulago National Referral Hospital for specialized medical care.
Speaking at a press briefing at Mulago Hospital in Kampala on Sunday, February 16, UMA President, Dr. Herbert Luswata, confirmed that the association has formally written to the Commissioner of Prisons, requesting an official medical report on Dr. Besigye’s health status.
“We are deeply concerned about reports from our members regarding the deteriorating health of our colleague, Dr. Kizza Besigye. There is growing anxiety about the potential worsening of his condition, which could lead to irreversible complications,” Dr. Luswata stated.
He emphasized that the association seeks to dispel concerns among the medical fraternity regarding Dr. Besigye’s medical care while also advocating for his immediate transfer to Mulago Hospital for thorough medical evaluation.
Dr. Luswata’s remarks follow a statement issued a day earlier by UMA Secretary General, Dr. Joel Mirembe, calling for Dr. Besigye’s “immediate release” due to his deteriorating health under prison custody.
“The Uganda Medical Association is gravely concerned about the health of Dr. Kizza Besigye, who remains incarcerated at Luzira Prison. Reports and recent visuals from his court appearance indicate that he is in significant physical distress, necessitating urgent medical intervention at a healthcare facility of his choice,” Dr. Mirembe stated.
Dr. Shamim Nambasa, a pharmacist and former Guild President of Makerere University under the National Unity Platform (NUP), also joined the call for Dr. Besigye’s release, emphasizing that prisoners are entitled to quality healthcare.
“We demand the release of Dr. Kizza Besigye because access to healthcare is a fundamental right, even for prisoners. Since his arrest, his health has visibly deteriorated. We must not forget that we are currently in a by-election following the loss of Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya, who died in prison after being denied timely medical attention,” she stated.
Dr. Nambasa reiterated the need for Dr. Besigye to seek medical care independently, stressing that his worsening condition warrants immediate intervention.
Dr. Luswata further highlighted that prisoners are entitled to the same medical standards available to the general public, in line with the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners and Uganda’s legal framework.
“Article 8A (1) of the Constitution explicitly recognizes health as a fundamental right, mandating the state to ensure access to basic medical services for all citizens,” Dr. Luswata explained.
He also referenced Article 45 of the Constitution, which guarantees the protection and promotion of fundamental human rights, including healthcare, irrespective of a person’s legal status.
“As medical professionals who have sworn an oath to preserve life, it is our duty to speak out in defense of our colleague’s health. Remaining silent would amount to a betrayal of our ethical obligations,” he added.
Media reports indicate that Dr. Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate, has been on a hunger strike to protest his prolonged detention, further exacerbating his already fragile condition.
Dr. Besigye was arrested on November 16, 2024, and charged with treason before a military court. His continued detention has sparked debates about judicial independence, particularly in light of last month’s Supreme Court ruling that civilians cannot be tried in military courts—a decision that should have resulted in his release. However, despite the ruling, Dr. Besigye remains incarcerated at Luzira Prison.
In addition to addressing Dr. Besigye’s case, Dr. Luswata urged the Ministry of Health to introduce a supplementary budget to address gaps caused by the recent freeze of U.S. foreign aid. He emphasized the need to absorb medical professionals who lost employment due to the funding cuts.
