HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Winnie Byanyima, Kizza Besigye’s wife has a strong conviction that her husband can nolonger withstand the tremors of prison life, following his discharge from the Luzira Prison hospital and return to his detention cell.
The development has renewed fears about the health of the detained opposition politician, with Byanyima arguing that Besigye remains too weak to cope with the demands of ordinary prison life as his treason trial continues.
Byanyima revealed that Besigye had been discharged from the prison hospital and moved back to his cell. She said the development left her “hurt, angry and anxious”, particularly because his sister, Dr Olive Kobusingye, who had been providing round-the-clock care, was also ordered to leave the prison.
Kobusingye had moved into Luzira Maximum Security Prison about two weeks earlier to assist her brother during his medical rehabilitation. Her presence provided Besigye with close family support at a time when he was reportedly struggling to communicate and perform basic tasks.
Byanyima fears that removing the family caretaker and returning Besigye to ordinary prison conditions could undermine his recovery.
The latest development comes less than a month after Besigye suffered a major health crisis. He collapsed on July 29 during proceedings at the High Court in Kampala, where he is facing a treason trial.
He was subsequently taken to Mulago National Referral Hospital after his condition deteriorated. Byanyima initially said he was unconscious, unable to speak and unresponsive.
Although he was later returned to Luzira, his family maintained that his condition remained fragile. Byanyima said he was unable to walk or speak without assistance, prompting renewed calls for specialised medical attention outside the prison environment.
Her concerns have now intensified following his discharge from the prison hospital.
Byanyima has appealed for Besigye to be allowed to travel to Geneva, Switzerland, for specialised medical treatment under the supervision of his family. She argues that his health requires attention that may not be adequately provided within the confines of a maximum-security prison.
The fears surrounding his condition are supported by findings from a psychiatric assessment conducted by Mulago specialists at Luzira Staff Hospital on August 16.
The assessment found that Besigye remained unable to speak or write following his collapse. Instead, doctors communicated with him through verbal questions, while he used a paper keyboard containing letters and numbers to formulate his responses by pointing at them.
Despite the severe communication difficulties, the specialists found that some important cognitive functions remained intact.
Besigye was reportedly alert and oriented to the person, place and time. His comprehension appeared preserved and he was capable of following verbal questions.
However, the assessment did not conclusively determine whether he was fit to stand trial.
Brain imaging showed chronic changes but no evidence of an acute infarct or haemorrhage. An electroencephalogram, or EEG, nevertheless showed features of diffuse encephalopathy.
The specialists said further assessment was necessary to establish whether Besigye could adequately communicate his preferences and effectively communicate with his defence lawyers.
That finding has potentially significant implications for his ongoing treason case. A defendant’s ability to understand proceedings and communicate meaningfully with his lawyers is critical to mounting an effective defence.
For Byanyima, the question is therefore not simply whether Besigye can remain in prison, but whether his continued detention is compatible with his medical condition.
The removal of Kobusingye has added another layer to the family’s concerns. Her stay at Luzira had enabled her to provide direct assistance during Besigye’s recovery, while her departure means he will now depend mainly on prison and medical personnel for his day-to-day care.
The Uganda Prisons Service had not immediately issued a public statement explaining the decision to discharge Besigye from the prison hospital or why his relatives were reportedly required to leave the facility.
The lack of an immediate explanation has left his family seeking clarity over the circumstances surrounding his transfer back to the detention cell.
Byanyima has also expressed concern that Besigye could be taken back to court despite his continuing health challenges.
For the family, his deteriorating condition should take precedence over the demands of the trial. They want him transferred to Geneva for specialised treatment, arguing that he should recover under family supervision before being expected to resume normal legal proceedings.
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