Prison walls have become a medical battleground as the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) fights for its founding leader’s life and liberty.
Dr. Kizza Besigye, whose health has reportedly deteriorated significantly under detention, finds himself at the center of a growing dispute over prisoner healthcare rights.
A Party’s Desperate Appeal
“We are gravely concerned about Dr. Besigye’s deteriorating health,” declared Mulindwa Walid Lubega, the FDC’s Deputy Secretary for Publicity, at their weekly press briefing.
The urgency in his voice reflected mounting fears about Besigye’s condition. Despite a recent transfer to Bugolobi Village Mall’s medical facility under heavy guard, the party insists this isn’t enough.
Constitutional Rights vs. Government Claims
The clash between the FDC and government officials has intensified. While the opposition party cites Article 8A(1) of the Ugandan Constitution to demand specialized treatment for Besigye at a facility of his choice, the government maintains a different narrative.
Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister for ICT and National Guidance, dismissed these concerns on NBS TV’s Morning Breeze, characterizing Besigye’s medical visit as merely routine.
Legal Battles and Medical Rights
The situation has become more complex given a recent Supreme Court ruling in Besigye’s favor.
Arrested in November alongside his aide, Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, Besigye faces charges of illegal firearms possession and treachery at the General Court Martial.
However, the FDC argues that his continued detention violates both legal and human rights principles.
The Broader Implications
This standoff raises critical questions about prisoner rights and medical care in Uganda’s justice system.
The FDC’s demand for the government to “take full responsibility” extends beyond Besigye’s immediate medical needs to broader issues of fair treatment under the law.
