Veteran Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye was on Monday, January 19, 2026, moved from Luzira Maximum Security Prison to a private medical facility amid growing concerns over his deteriorating health.
Political allies accuse authorities of neglect and demand immediate access for his family and doctors, raising fears about his condition.
The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), a political movement aligned with Besigye, confirmed it received credible reports that the 69-year-old former four-time presidential candidate was rushed to the clinic under heavy security following a significant deterioration in his condition while in detention.
In a statement shared on social media, the PFF described Besigye’s health as critical and deteriorating, condemning the government and prison authorities for denying him proper medical care and violating his constitutional rights.
The party called for Besigye to be granted immediate and unrestricted access by his personal physicians and family members.
“We hold the regime and the prison authorities fully accountable for his well-being,” the PFF statement said, urging supporters to remain vigilant and prayerful as the situation develops.
Besigye has been held in custody since November 2024, following his abduction in Kenya and subsequent charges of alleged treason and other serious offenses.
His supporters insist these charges are politically motivated attempts to sideline and tarnish the opposition leader from participating in any political activity.
Concerns over Besigye’s health have been growing for months. Earlier reports indicated that the opposition figure appeared frail during court appearances and suffered from hunger and various ailments while in detention.
Human rights organizations and medical professionals have repeatedly called on the authorities to ensure he receives proper medical treatment.
Prison authorities and the Uganda Prisons Service have not released an official statement regarding Besigye’s current condition or the circumstances of his transfer to the private medical facility.
The situation has drawn national and international attention, highlighting ongoing tensions within Uganda’s political landscape and the challenges faced by opposition figures.
Besigye’s health crisis adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile political environment.
Supporters of the veteran politician have vowed to continue advocating for his rights and safety, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the health and dignity of all political detainees.
They stress that Besigye’s situation is emblematic of broader issues surrounding political repression and human rights abuses in the country.
His allies are calling on both national and international bodies to hold authorities accountable and ensure that proper medical care and humane treatment are guaranteed.
The PFF’s statement concluded by appealing for continued prayers and vigilance from the public as the developments unfold in the coming days.
