She warned that his health is rapidly deteriorating and that his life is in danger.
In a strongly worded statement released on Wednesday, Byanyima said prison authorities were downplaying the seriousness of Besigye’s condition. They were also denying him access to specialized treatment recommended by his personal doctors.
She dismissed recent assurances by UPS. They claimed the four-time presidential candidate is stable and receiving proper medical attention. She described these assurances as misleading. They are inconsistent with the reality on the ground.
According to Byanyima, Besigye, who has been in detention for weeks, has developed severe health complications linked to prolonged confinement and stress.
She revealed that despite repeated requests, prison authorities have allegedly refused to transfer him to a fully equipped medical facility. They have also denied independent doctors the chance to conduct comprehensive examinations.
Dr Besigye’s condition is worsening by the day. He needs urgent and specialized medical care that cannot be adequately provided in prison,” Byanyima said, warning that continued delays could have fatal consequences. If anything happens to him, the responsibility will lie squarely with the authorities who ignored these warnings.
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Besigye’s detention has already drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders, civil society groups, and human rights organizations, who argue that his incarceration is politically motivated.
The latest claims over medical neglect are expected to intensify scrutiny on the government’s handling of high profile political detainees.
Supporters of the veteran opposition figure have staged sporadic protests and online campaigns demanding his immediate release or transfer to a medical facility of his choice.
Several rights groups have also urged international actors to intervene, citing Uganda’s constitutional and international obligations to safeguard the health and welfare of detainees.
The Uganda Prison Service has previously maintained that Besigye is under constant medical supervision and that his rights are being respected.
However, Byanyima insists that official statements do not reflect his true condition.
As pressure mounts, the Besigye case is once again placing Uganda’s human rights record under the spotlight, with growing calls for transparency, accountability and urgent action to avert what supporters fear could become a preventable tragedy.
