The government has pushed back hard against claims that Dr. Kizza Besigye is critically ill in prison, with ICT Minister Chris Baryomunsi insisting the opposition veteran only suffered a minor illness and is now doing well. “Dr. Besigye got a small ailment, diahorea was treated by his personal doctors, and he is now living his […]
The government has pushed back hard against claims that Dr. Kizza Besigye is critically ill in prison, with ICT Minister Chris Baryomunsi insisting the opposition veteran only suffered a minor illness and is now doing well.
“Dr. Besigye got a small ailment, diahorea was treated by his personal doctors, and he is now living his usual life in Luzira Prison,” Baryomunsi said.
The minister slammed reports by Besigye’s wife Winnie Byanyima, who last week painted a grim picture of a frail and severely dehydrated detainee.
“Contrary to what had been said by his wife, that he is seriously sick and that he is not able to access his personal doctors, that’s not true.” he said
He said he personally consulted prison officials and doctors close to Besigye.
“I have spoken to prison authorities and to his personal doctors, including his own biological siblings. What I am telling you is a fact,” he said.
Baryomunsi warned against spreading what he called exaggerated narratives.
“I think it would be wrong to always want to over-criticize his situation by falsifying information. What we pray for is that he should get a speedy trial in court so that his issues are resolved as soon as possible. But those accusations are not correct as they were given out by his wife.” he said.
But Byanyima insists otherwise, last week while addressing the media, she said that Besigye was in pain, shaking, and unable to walk properly when she saw him.
She said Besigye told her he had been ill since Saturday and had refused treatment from prison authorities, insisting instead on being examined by his personal doctor. Byanyima said it was only after repeated negotiations by Dr. Nani Kanyerezi that the prison authorities allowed Besigye to be taken to her clinic.
“They did not allow this until quite late in the evening, they waited for darkness and they brought him to Dr. Nandi’s clinic in Bugolobi.”
Byanyima added that she was not notified by the prison authorities about the transfer, despite being Besigye’s next of kin. She said she only learned about it and rushed to the clinic, where doctors had already carried out tests and begun treatment.
Similarly, last week, Besigye failed to show up ,in court for proceedings on his treason case on the grounds that he was indisposed.
Lukwago, representing Besigye and his co-accused Obed Lutale, had expressed grave concern over the deteriorating health of the four-time presidential candidate, accusing the High Court of failing to intervene after prison authorities confirmed that Besigye is too ill to appear in court.
Lukwago spoke to journalists outside the High Court where Besigye was supposed to appear for proceedings in his treason-related case. The proceedings were scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, 2026, but were adjourned after the court received a communication from the Registrar.
“As you have heard and witnessed, court indicated that they got a communication from the registrar and the registrar was actually relaying information from the prison authorities that Dr. Besigye is indisposed and could not attend court today,” Lukwago said then.
He described the information from prison authorities as a clear confirmation of Besigye’s poor health and said it was alarming that the court did not focus on stabilising the opposition leader’s condition.
“What shocked us is the prayer they made that the proceedings be conducted virtually and they never explained exactly what was going to be done about Dr. Besigye’s failing health. That was rather disturbing to us,” Lukwago added then.
The lawyer said the court seemed more interested in ensuring that the legal process continued than in addressing the medical emergency.
“All they were interested in is the proceedings to continue, not about stabilising Dr’s health, which was really absurd,” he said.
Despite this, Prisons spokesperson Frank Baine publicly denied that Besigye’s health is critical or deteriorating, saying his recent trip to a medical facility was simply a routine medical check-up and that he was returned to prison after the examination.
Baine insisted that Besigye is “okay” and “receives necessary treatment like other prisoners.
