The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has disputed the Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) narrative that veteran opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye is not in a deteriorating health condition and was only taken to a hospital in Bugolobi for a routine health check-up.
In a statement released on their official X handle alongside a frail photo of the incarcerated Dr Besigye undergoing a medical checkup, the party reiterated that its leader is seriously unwell.
“The regime’s attempt to characterise his medical emergency as ‘routine’ is a blatant attempt to mask the physical toll of his continued detention. While he is in a weakened state, Justice Baguma continues to demand his appearance before the court. This is a cruel and calculated move,” the party posted on Wednesday.
The PFF further noted that it wouldn’t allow Besigye to undergo the same treatment as his late younger brother Joseph Musasizi Kifefe better known as Saasi who died on November 29, 2007 at Mulago Hospital after he lost a battle to a battered kidney and other body organs following his arrest three years earlier on treason allegations that ended in the Intensive Care Unit of Mulago Hospital.
“We cannot ignore the shadows of the past. We remember the tragic fate of our leader’s brother, Saasi, and we refuse to let Dr Besigye be subjected to the same pattern of neglect and state-sponsored hardship,” PFF said.
The party further demanded the unconditional release of Dr Besigye to allow him to seek specialised, independent medical attention.
On Tuesday, the Uganda Prisons Service spokesperson Frank Baine Mayanja dismissed reports claiming that opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye was rushed to the hospital overnight in critical condition.
“The hospital visit was part of Besigye’s routine monthly medical check-up. He has since returned to Luzira Prison and is continuing with his normal daily activities,” Baine said.
The National Unity Platform (NUP) Principal Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine has since condemned the Prisons service for allegedly denying Besigye access to proper medical care.
“Very sad to hear that Dr Kizza Besigye’s health has continued to deteriorate while in detention, having been denied access to proper medical care. We stand fully in solidarity with him and pray for his recovery. Museveni and his criminal regime must never get away with all the suffering they have caused to our nation,” Bobi Wine posted on his X account on Wednesday.
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