Dr Besigye and his co-accused, Bwanika
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The Uganda Prisons Service has dismissed reports circulating on social media that opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye is in poor health while in custody.
Over the weekend, claims spread online suggesting that the 69-year-old former presidential candidate was “sickly and unable to support himself,” raising alarm among his supporters. Some even warned that his death in prison could trigger unrest.
Frank Baine, spokesperson for the Uganda Prisons Service, described the reports as false and misleading.
“Besigye has no problem as far as I am concerned. It’s the same story since last November that he is sick, but he’s fine,” Baine said.
He accused Besigye’s lawyers of fueling the rumors, insisting that the opposition figure is in stable condition.
Baine further denied claims that Besigye’s visits had been restricted.
“The claim that his visitation has been limited is also a lie. Even last Friday, he was visited,” he noted.
On the other hand, Besigye’s legal team, led by Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, insists that their client is unwell. Lukwago told reporters that during a recent visit, Besigye was unable to leave his room and appeared weak, with co-accused Hajj Obeid Lutale also expressing concern over his condition.
Besigye failed to appear at the High Court Criminal Division last week, where he and Obed Lutale were expected to enter pleas on charges of treason and misprision of treason. The session was adjourned to October 1, 2025.
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