The health of prominent Ugandan opposition leader and former presidential candidate, Dr. Kizza Besigye, is rapidly deteriorating while in detention, sparking outrage and calls for his release. His wife, Winnie Byanyima, has sounded the alarm, describing his condition as dire and accusing authorities of illegal detention and inhumane treatment.  

A Grim Picture of Besigye’s Detention 

In a powerful post on X (formerly Twitter), Byanyima revealed shocking details about Besigye’s confinement. She described his cell as a small, dark room with barely enough space for a narrow bed, old newspapers, and two cardboard boxes. According to her, Besigye has not eaten in five days, has lost significant weight, and is being held under conditions she likened to a “terrorist prison.”  

“I had to pass through six or seven locked doors to reach his cell, located in a dark, narrow corridor. This is no ordinary prison—it’s a place meant for suspected terrorists,” Byanyima stated.  

Byanyima Slams Government Claims

Byanyima also refuted claims by ICT Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, who recently asserted that Besigye was in good health. She accused Baryomunsi of lying about his visit to Besigye’s cell, claiming the minister forced his way in and that Besigye refused to speak in protest.  

“Besigye made it clear he neither invited nor consented to seeing Mr. Baryomunsi. A prison officer forced him into the room. Mr. Baryomunsi lied about having a conversation—Besigye remained completely silent,” she wrote.  

Byanyima went further, accusing the minister of being part of a “sinister kidnap scheme” and demanding her husband’s immediate release.  

Political Motivations Behind Besigye’s Arrest

Dr. Kizza Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and longtime critic of President Yoweri Museveni, was arrested weeks ago under unclear circumstances. His detention has drawn widespread condemnation from opposition leaders, civil society groups, and human rights activists, who argue that his arrest is politically motivated.  

Besigye’s continued incarceration has raised serious concerns about the state of democracy and freedom of expression in Uganda. Many fear that his detention is part of a broader pattern of using arbitrary arrests to silence dissent.  

Mounting Pressure on the Government

As international and local pressure grows, questions remain about whether the Ugandan government will address the concerns surrounding Besigye’s health and the legality of his detention. Neither the government nor security agencies have officially responded to Byanyima’s latest allegations.  

What’s Next for Besigye?

With Besigye’s health reportedly worsening and his supporters rallying for his release, the situation remains tense. Will the government heed the calls for justice, or will Besigye’s detention continue to fuel accusations of political persecution?  

For now, the spotlight remains on Uganda’s handling of this high-profile case, as the world watches to see how the government will respond to mounting demands for transparency and accountability.