Dr. Kizza Besigye is in critical condition at Luzira Upper Prison [and been behind bars for 90 days on the 17th February 2025]

We passed by Luzira Upper Prison to check on Dr. Kizza Besigye who has been on a hunger strike to protest against his illegal detention. We were not able to see him because he is very frail and weak. He sent a message to us through Hajj Obed Lutale Kamulegeya who briefed us on his worrying state of health, to a point that he collapsed this morning. He demands for his freedom, and emphasises that if the state has any legitimate case against him, he should be tried in a civilian court!” (Bobi Wine, 17.02.2025).

We in FDC, We are gravely concerned about the deteriorating health condition of our founding President, Dr. Besigye under prison authorities. Based on reports and disturbing visuals from his recent court appearance, it is evident that Dr. Besigye is quite physically sick and suffering from health issues that have significantly deteriorated over time. We are aware that he was yesterday taken to a medical facility at Bugolobi Village Mall for urgent treatment under a very heavy security deployment. He was unable to move and was taken to that facility in a wheelchair. The FDC calls upon right thinking Ugandans, the opposition, the, Media, human rights and civic activists to rise up and be counted in this justified pursuit of fighting for freedom and justice as well as raising concerns about Dr. Besigye’s safety and well-being” (Forum for Democratic Change, 17.02.2025).

The question about the legality of the detention of Dr. Kizza Besigye is out of the window. The case of a civilian in a pending case at the General Court Martial (GCM). That one should have been shattered a long time ago and shouldn’t have been a thing from the on-set. However, there are more dire consequences going on.

That he was yesterday taken swiftly to the “The Clinic” at Bugolobi Village Mall and now today collapsing. He is in a deteriorating health condition and needs medical treatment. That is undeniable at this moment. We should be concerned about the well being and his needs.

It is good that Bobi Wine and other Opposition Leaders tried to access him today. Nevertheless, they didn’t gain access to him. Meanwhile, we know NRM Minister Chris Baryomunsi was able to do so yesterday. That’s before the reports of him being taken to “The Clinic” and was getting some treatment for a little while.

Now we don’t know what is happening and Besigye’s life is in danger. Right now isn’t the time to wait for the authorities to act. Neither is it time for the slow mechanisms of the Judiciary and the other parts of Law Enforcement. Because of all of these are slowing the process and won’t come to the aide of Besigye.

Dr. Kizza Besigye needs to be in a hospital and get proper treatment. Not be behind bars and awaiting his continued demise. That his collapsing and not able to meet visitors is telling everyone how dire things are. This isn’t the moment to sweet talk and let the system work. No, this is the time for haste and to save the life. That’s if the Prison Services and the Authorities values life. The life is on the line. There is no time to wait or be concerned, be worried or think you can discuss it.

Now is the time to act and do it with haste. Besigye needs medical treatment and health care professionals to oversee his needs. That’s what Besigye needs and he doesn’t need prison guards blocking his every step or taking away his freedom. No, Besigye needs doctors and nursers to monitor him. That’s what he needs and as soon as possible. Peace.

Uganda Law Society (ULS): Judge Dr. Douglas Singiza is responsible for Dr. Kizza Besigye’s situation (17.02.2025)

An open letter regarding Dr. Kizza Besigye’s deteriorating health condition

Dear Sirs,

Whoever that is in-charge, who has an ear and who actually cares. This one is for you(!).

The time is to act now. The time isn’t to act tomorrow. The movement of the treason charges from the General Court Martial to a civilian court is futile now. Now that the keeping Dr. Kizza Besigye behind bars is life threatening. Now, isn’t the time to let him linger and keep him detained.

No, now is the time to act. If someone feels any remorse, guilt or any concern for the life of Dr. Kizza Besigye. Now is the time to come to his aide. It isn’t time to let him linger or stay behind bars. This punitive punishment isn’t only assuring his possible demise.

As his body is in critical condition, his body needs proper medical treatment and not more time behind bars at Luzira Maximum Prison. Since the latest reports is that he has been swiftly driven away from the “The Clinic” and has been returned to Luzira. After being in critical condition earlier today.

That just means his signs are worsening. That what we saw in the video-footage from Buganda Road Magistrate Court only has become more dire. The state isn’t caring or really concerned about his well being. As they are allowing him to deteriorate and lose all of his energy. They are tearing him down and destroying him completely from within. That’s what the state is doing to him and we are all hearing the reports.

The state is not only heartless, but without soul doing this. Instead of taking care of their prisoner. They are torturing him more by keeping him in this state. This isn’t the act of a state that has any value of life or of dissent. This isn’t the act of a republic that cares or nurtures its citizens. No, this is the tyranny and the dictatorship that Besigye himself has warned everyone about. Exactly why he has fought with peaceful means and within the realm of defiance.

Now hearing his demise and possible destruction. It is just giving me a headache. A hero and a man of honour is treated this way. A man who has fought for others and stood by their side. No, people have to come to his aide. Now people have to come and fight for Besigye. Besigye needs the people and needs the leaders to stand up for him.

Right now… the life of Dr. Kizza Besigye is in danger. His life is on the line. The Prison Services and the Authorities don’t mind his frail state. They don’t mind to endanger him and possibly “kill” him. No, they are bashing it and following orders doing it. That’s who they are and they are making it happen.

Dr. Kizza Besigye doesn’t only need PRAYERS, but he NEEDS ACTION. HE NEEDS PROPER MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH CARE. The freedom fighter, activists and opposition leader needs HELP right now. What he doesn’t need is to be another night behind bars at Luzira. They want him for more than 90 days and we don’t know how long they are willing to prolong the agony. However, we know the authorities doesn’t care and that shows.

It is a travesty and a tragedy. Dr. Kizza Besigye deserves to be treated as a human being and that’s clearly to much to ask from the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

Best Regards

The Writer of Minbane

Dr. Kizza Besigye is in critical condition [and been behind bars for 89 days on the 16th February 2025]

Our leader Kizza Besigye remains admitted at a private clinic in Bugolobi. The clinic is surrounded by military, police & Prisons. Photo is the Ambulance that delivered Besigye at the Clinic. PRAY FOR BESIGYE to pull through. Mr. Museveni & his son Muhoozi want to silence KB” (Roland Muhinda, 16.02.2025).

I have spoken to medic at a private clinic where our leader was admitted this evening. The medic told me Besigye is ‘physically weak’ and his condition is ‘worrying and unstable’. He said their duty is to stabilise him to the best of their abilities. ‘The rest we leave to God’!” (Roland Muhinda, 16.02.2025).

The latest news regarding Dr. Kizza Besigye is horrific. It is damaging my calm. The knowledge that his in critical condition and is in life danger. All after the prolonged detention in Luzira Maximum Prison and having a case pending at the Makindye General Court Martial, which has kept him detained and where they have made-up charges to keep there as a civilian. Therefore, the recent news is devastating.

Besigye life is on the line. There is nothing to shadow this or such. A body that is fatigued and in dire need of medical treatment. Some of us has called for it for a while now. Nevertheless, the authorities, the Prison Services and whatnot hasn’t done that for him as a prisoner. This is the utter failure of the state and they have caused him this harm under their watch. They followed him and saw how he was frail. The state knew he was getting weaker and losing energy. Still, they kept him there and let him lose his bodily functions.

This is all on the watch of the state. It just shows what sort of character the state is operating under. This is how it values life and what sort of treatment that is acceptable behind bars. They are accepting and validating this sort of treatment of prisoners. Besigye have been allowed to be treated in this manner and it became life threatening. That’s when they acted in haste and not before he was losing it.

It is just despicable… and disgraceful. This is what the state did to one of its own. It is a sign of how the state values their own and what it is willing to do to them. Besigye has been a voice of reason, a freedom fighter and a man of an unfinished revolution. That’s why people look up to him and his known for his resilience. Nevertheless, his body is fragile and ageing too. His not a young one anymore, but an ageing man. A man who cannot manage as much as he could when he was younger. Therefore, this whole situation is damaging him and the system surrounding him.

That he was just moved to a “The Clinic” in Bugolobi from Luzira with a heavy security deployment. It only shows how the state uses its resources and how it is has no humane treatment of its prisoners. When they are letting someone like Besigye get more and more sick. They must have seen it for days on end and now when it goes really bad. They suddenly moves and hope they can patch the hurt.

I am worried and so are many others. It hurts to write this. It really do. Besigye is a hero and a man of his words. This is just showing what the junta does to its citizens. This is who the NRM is and what it does to their foes. It shouldn’t be like this, but this is on their watch. Peace.

Kenya: Kongamano La Mapinduzi (KLM) – Statement on the Election of Mahamoud Ali Youssouf as the African Union Commission Chairperson (15.02.2025)

Besigye behind bars for 87 days [on the 14th of February 2025] and he needs medical treatment, asap!

“A frail-looking Kizza Besigye appears in the dock at Buganda Road Chief Magistrate Court where he is charged alongside Samuel Lubega Mukaaku, after they were arrested in downtown Kampala while demonstrating against high commodity prices in Uganda in 2022. His lawyers, led by Erias Lukwago, have argued that the court proceedings should not continue, when Dr Besigye is in such a state as this amounts to violation of his human right” (Daily Monitor, 14.02.2025).

“Kizza Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate, appears at Buganda Road Court after missing the last hearing due to ill health. He has been on hunger strike for a week. Besigye faces charges linked to a 2022 protest over high commodity prices” (Centenary Radio 88.1 FM Radio, 14.02.2025).

There is no need to address things in the slightest of terms. The video clips and the pictures of Dr. Kizza Besigye appearing at the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate Court should worry anyone who has followed the career of the freedom fighter and activist.

Besigye needs the authorities and the state to act on his behalf. The authorities and state has to allow him to get medical treatment. Besigye needs to be relieved from the prison cell and be at a hospital. That’s if the state is worried about the life of Besigye and his well-being. They need to support him and give him help as soon as possible.

At this moment of time. The impunity and the injustice that is served towards Besigye is endangering his life. He is being destroyed and getting into a worser situation. Seeing Besigye like this is just tragic.

Besigye deserves better. He needs help. That’s it! There is nothing else to say. We are all seeing it and we are seeing a state that isn’t concerned about his well-being. That’s why they are doing this to him, and we are seeing the damage done. This is what the state does to him and it’s a reflection of how it oppresses the civilians to stay in power. Peace.

Opinion: Wetangula will survive this one too

“National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has declared Kenya Kwanza as the majority party with 165 MPs.  This decision comes despite a recent High Court ruling that invalidated his earlier determination of Kenya Kwanza as the majority party” (MwanzoTV, 12.02.2025).

The ones believing that Speaker Moses Wetangula will resign from his post is naïve. He has gotten a deal with President Ruto and is serving his interests in the National Assembly. The FORD Party leader won’t relent or move. No, this is his highest position and office. He won’t relieve himself and give way.

The ones believing the KKA and the regime to adhere to the courts are insane. We are seeing the erosion of the rule of law. We have seen the misuse of office and power for personal gains. That is the ideals and ethics of this regime. They are willing to kill, abduct and silence critics on a regular basis. The ones serving for Ruto and his henchmen are allowing it.

That the Azimio wants Wetangula to suffer. That isn’t anything new. Wetangula went from being an ally to become a man of Ruto. The speaker left Odinga and his allies after a CORD and NASA failure. He skated off and felt time was to go elsewhere. That paid off and he got a great office by doing so.

Wetangula won’t shed a tear. He isn’t worried or fearing for losing his day-job. Zakayo has his back. The President has an agreement with Wetangula, and they will act accordingly. Not like Wetangula has disregarded or been deceitful in any manner. This is why Ruto will shield Wetangula. There is nothing for Ruto or his allies to win over destroying Wetangula. That’s why we know this will just go away and they will find new scapegoats to take the heat.

Azimio might try and find measures to ensure the demise of Wetangula. Nevertheless, would the government business be stopped by doing this. This seems like an excuse for having leverage and getting a new deal. Just like Odinga got a handshake and part of the broad-based government, which ODM has cabinet secretaries in it. Therefore, don’t expect Wetangula to fall anytime soon.

Wetangula has the support and the shield of the Executive. The President will defend him and silence the critics. Right now the eyes will be on Odinga and Wetangula can act like nothing has changed.

The Speaker won’t fear for anything, there is no need for it either. The man is safe and shouldn’t be worried right now. Zakayo is on his side. Wetangula knows this and that’s why his steamrolling on. No one should expect the man to back down now. He is safe… and will get off the hook eventually. Peace.

Opinion: Muhoozi wishes death on Besigye

“I hear KB is on hunger strike. Can he speed up the hunger strike so that he ends it? Uganda will be much better off without his stain” (…) “KB is a traitor, who never saved anybody in the bush. Nobody! All he has done was plot to kill my family since day one! He is going to pay for it” – General Muhoozi Kainerubaga (13.02.2025)

The ones believing the brute or the first son having any mercy. That ship must have sailed a long time ago. The Commander of the Défense Forces (CDF) and Senior Presidential Advisor, General Muhoozi Kainerubaga is again speaking of death.

Muhoozi is again wanting death on Dr. Kizza Besigye. Just mere days ago he wanted Besigye hanged. Now he hopes he dies in prison. That’s the message the General has for the public to hear. This is the brilliant man that Andrew Mwenda on the regular says is an oracle of wisdom. It is just mere brutality and a man who only has vengeance in his heart.

No one is shocked or in awe when seeing Muhoozi speaking ill of the opposition. We know that Besigye and KaBobi is living rent free in the mind of Muhoozi. Because deep down Muhoozi wishes he had the support and people behind him like he sees this leaders have.

Muhoozi wants to be loved and be a leader of the future. He wants to prove that he has the capability and ability to lead. Nevertheless, we are only seeing a mad man promoted and a brute who uses violence to get ahead. We are not seeing a leader of trust, sincere conscience or even ability to listen to the people. No, he rather kills the ones standing in his way.

Muhoozi trust weaponry and guns. Muhoozi trust the army and the authorities. That’s what he knows and what has given him power. Alas, that is wherein the problem remains too. As he hasn’t the character or the ability to go out of the fatigue.

The General lacks the attitude, self-esteem and personality to win people over. That’s why he needs bootlickers to guide him and make him different. Nevertheless, that is worthless when his brutality and his wishes of death comes out on the regular. When someone thinks his above the law and acts like that. There is little respect or honour to be given to him.

Muhoozi is continuing his path of destroying the opposition. He wants them all dead. The General wishes Besigye dead. A man he wanted to hang. He really wants to see in a casket and gone. That’s what he dreams off and looking forward too.

General Muhoozi is showing his vicious side. This isn’t a narrow side or a little outburst online. It is common part of him, because he releases these ideas on a semi-regular basis. That’s why we know this is who he is and what he believes in. He calls people criminals and bad men, but never comes with any proof. His saying Besigye has tried to ‘kill’ his family, but have no evidence of it. Just like the courts who has charged him for decades too. It is just practice of the first family and he follows the conducts of authorities of the republic. Therefore, we can take that with a grain of salt.

Alas, we are still seeing how detrimental Muhoozi is and what he has become. A man who wishes death and who gets positive energy by the demise of others. If that is your leader, expect more death, murder and torture. This man gets good vibes by seeing other people suffer. That’s who Muhoozi is, and he shows it to us. Peace.

Besigye behind bars for 86 days [on the 13th of February 2025] without proper trial as a civilian… and now on a hunger strike!

“Uganda Prisons Service right now has 79,390 prisoners and they are all entitled to food, shelter, and health. They are also supposed to access justice and Rtd Col Kizza Besigye is one of them. According to him, the people Dr Kizza Besigye trusts are the ones supposed to deliver food. Even in terms of preparation, he sees his food being prepared and accesses his food. I can assure you that if he started a hunger strike, that would be today after the instigation of maybe his lawyers who visited him yesterday but to the best of my knowledge, Dr Kizza Besigye has had all his meals in the past. Even where Dr Kizza Besigye’s health becomes a question, we have been working together with his doctor to make sure that we keep him safe. From 2005 to now, we have had several times with Dr Kizza Besigye, and every time he is with us, we have to make sure he survives” – Uganda Prisons Service Spokesperson Frank Baine (13.02.2025).

This case is just pending. The trial of Dr. Kizza Besigye and all the associates who are behind bars too. The case itself is at the Makindye General Court Martial as a civilian. That is questionable at best.

Now the weapons and treason charges are sidelined, as the opposition leader and activist are hurting behind bars. There is speculation of his health and weakening state. Besigye is becoming older and has had terrible treatment for years. He has stood tall, but his not a young man anymore. His an older fellow who is hurting behind bars. That’s who he is and his a resilient man, but his body could easily get fatigued and weakened without proper treatment. That is just natural…

Besigye should get medical treatment and be in a health care facility before it is too late. There is a need to do so. Now that the lawyers and people representing Besigye says he needs that. The Prison Services and the authorities should allow him to get that and be in reach of health care. That isn’t something the Prison Services are providing or capable of doing. Therefore, if they value the life of Besigye. They should act upon it now before its to late.

This here is worrying, as the state of Besigye is worsening. The letter to court earlier in this week is a reminder of how bad it is. Because Besigye is usually attending the courts and the cases pending. Therefore, we know things are grim when he didn’t come to the court. That’s why the Prison Services should reflect on that and consider that…

Besigye needs help and the authorities needs to. That’s if they hold life dear and if they care about the ones they have in their custody. It is time to medevac and get him help. So, he can return to himself and be the strong man we have known for decades now. Peace.

Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court: Dr. Kizza Besigye letter (11.02.2025)