Kizza Besigye became “critical” during a hunger strike against incarceration, his lawyer says.
Uganda reversed a controversial plan to hold a military trial for prominent opposition leaders due to health disorders.
Chris Bariomunsi’s Information Minister announced late Sunday that Kiza Besigye would transfer his case to a private court. The announcement came amid reports that Besigee, who is undergoing a hunger strike, has been temporarily moved to the clinic.
Bariomunsi had previously visited Besiji in prison to urge him to end his hunger strike while his lawsuit was in motion. Veteran opposition leaders are being charged with illegal possession of firearms and threats to national security.
Mr. Baryomunsi, your actions are insulting and abuse of my husband’s rights. As the Minister of NRM, you are not a worried visitor. You are his prisoner.
Our family finds your visit very suspicious
– Winnie byanyima (@winnie_byanyima) February 16, 2025
Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, called the Minister’s visit “very suspicious.”
“You are not a worried visitor. You are his prisoner,” she said in X.
“The Tragedy of Justice”
Longtime critics of President Yoweri Museveni, Bedigi state, have been in Luzilla’s biggest prison in Kampala’s capital since November. His lawyers say he was “invited” in nearby Kenya and forced to bring him to Uganda.
Rights groups and opposition lawmakers condemned the arrest. Amnesty International branded Bessiji’s detention as a “tragedy of justice.”
Besigye launched Hunger Strike last week. His wife described him as “act of protest” against “illegal detention.” His lawyer warned on Thursday that an opposition figure has become “severely ill.”
After appearing in court on Friday, public protests against Besiji’s detention grew after appearing frail and struggled to walk.
On Sunday, Vesiji was rushed to a health clinic in Kampala in a wheelchair. A relative told local media that the opposition figures were “not in a good situation.”
Besigye has been arrested multiple times over the years, including accusations of inciting violence in 2022.
He ran for president four times since 1986 against Museveni, who has ruled the East African country. He lost all elections, but refused the outcome, alleging fraud and voter threats.
For decades, the Museveni government has been accused of repeated human rights violations against opposition leaders and supporters, including illegal detention, torture and extrajudicial killings.
Authorities in Ugandan refused to file charges, saying that those arrested are legally held and that a legitimate process is given to them in the judicial system.
The government had previously said it would ignore the Supreme Court’s ruling that it would be unconstitutional to try Vesiji in a military court.
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