Detained Ugandan Opposition Leader Kizza Besigye Hospitalized Amid Deteriorating Health from Hunger Strike
Prominent Ugandan opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye has been urgently transferred to a medical facility following a significant decline in his health due to a hunger strike initiated on February 10, 2025. Besigye, a steadfast critic of President Yoweri Museveni, has been detained at Kampala’s maximum-security Luzira Prison since November 2024.
His detention followed an alleged abduction from Nairobi, Kenya, where he was reportedly taken by force and subsequently charged in Uganda’s General Court Martial with offenses including illegal possession of firearms and treachery—a charge that carries the death penalty.
The hunger strike, which Besigye commenced to protest his detention and trial in a military court, has severely impacted his health. On February 16, 2025, under heavy security, he was transported to a clinic located in the Bugolobi suburb of Kampala. Allied lawmaker Francis Mwijukye reported that Besigye appeared frail and required a wheelchair upon arrival. Family members have expressed grave concern, describing his condition as critical.
The circumstances surrounding Besigye’s arrest have been contentious. In November 2024, during a visit to Nairobi for a book launch, he was allegedly abducted and transported back to Uganda. The Kenyan government has denied involvement, while Ugandan authorities claim that proper channels were followed.
In a landmark decision on January 31, 2025, Uganda’s Supreme Court ruled that the prosecution of civilians in military courts is unconstitutional, mandating the immediate cessation of such trials. Despite this ruling, Besigye’s military trial continued, prompting widespread criticism from human rights organizations and political figures.
Amnesty International has condemned the ongoing detention and military trial as a “travesty of justice,” urging Ugandan authorities to comply with the Supreme Court’s directive and release Besigye immediately.
In response to mounting pressure, Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi announced on February 16, 2025, that the government is expediting the transfer of Besigye’s case to civilian courts, effectively ending his military prosecution. This development has been met with cautious optimism, though concerns about Besigye’s health remain paramount.
Winnie Byanyima, Besigye’s wife and executive director of UNAIDS, has voiced deep concern over her husband’s well-being. She emphasized that his hunger strike is a form of protest against what he perceives as illegal detention and has described his trial as a “sham.” Byanyima has called for justice, stating that the situation not only affects Besigye but also has broader implications for democracy and human rights in Uganda.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with various human rights organizations and political leaders advocating for Besigye’s immediate release and access to appropriate medical care. As Uganda approaches its next presidential election cycle, the treatment of opposition figures like Besigye remains a critical issue, reflecting the broader state of political freedoms and judicial processes in the country.