The intersection of media commentary and political protest has ignited fresh controversy in Uganda as prominent radio personality James “Fat Boy” Onen faces intense backlash over his dismissive remarks about Dr. Kizza Besigye’s health condition.
The Controversy Unfolds
Onen sparked outrage on social media platform X when he suggested that concerns over Besigye’s deteriorating health – a result of his ongoing hunger strike – were merely a “ploy.”
The opposition leader’s health has become a focal point of public attention while he remains in custody, despite a Supreme Court order mandating his release.
“A hunger strike is defeatist,” Onen declared on his platform, challenging the legitimacy of both the protest method and public sympathy. “Without eating, how will doctors even know if you have other ailments that are causing you to be weak?”
Then that implies all the concern people have been showing has been fake because it was a ploy all along. Please remember his frail condition was being sold to us by you guys as a tragic result of him being held in custody. https://t.co/ZawTBdCtaC
— James Onen | FATBOY (@jamesonen) February 16, 2025
The Wider Context
This controversy has deeper implications, touching on several critical issues:
- A Supreme Court ruling ordering Besigye’s release remains unimplemented
- Reports indicate Besigye was secretly transferred to The Clinic in Bugolobi under heavy security
- Deputy Kampala Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura confirms family and friends were denied access
- The situation echoes past controversies involving detained political figures’ health concerns
Public Response and Media Ethics
The backlash against Onen’s comments has been swift and severe. Critics draw parallels to the late Muhammad Ssegirinya’s case, where similar dismissive attitudes toward a detainee’s health preceded tragic outcomes.
Many argue that Onen’s stance, particularly as a media figure, crosses ethical boundaries in political commentary.
Fat Boy’s Media Journey
Onen, who transitioned from being Sanyu FM’s longtime host to running his online platform RX Radio, has built his brand on provocative commentary.
However, this latest controversy raises questions about the responsibilities of media personalities in sensitive political discourse.
