The political temperature in Uganda just got hotter.
Mathias Mpuuga, the Nyendo-Mukungwe legislator and parliamentary commissioner, has issued a rallying cry to opposition parties: set aside your differences and unite to rescue Dr. Kizza Besigye from Luzira Prison.
This call comes amid growing concerns over Besigye’s deteriorating health and the perceived political persecution he faces.
Yesterday, Besigye was rushed to a private health facility in Bugolobi for urgent medical treatment, highlighting the severity of his condition.
Mpuuga, speaking to journalists at Parliament, didn’t mince words.
“The current situation involving Dr. Besigye should humble us as the opposition and compel us to act,” he said.
A Plea for Unity in Divided Times
Mpuuga’s appeal isn’t just about Besigye—it’s a stark indictment of the opposition’s fractured state.
“We are deeply divided as an opposition,” he lamented. “Anyone who presents a differing view is often met with resistance.”
This division, according to Mpuuga, has allowed the regime to exploit weaknesses within the opposition. Instead of focusing on petty squabbles, he urged leaders to prioritize Besigye’s health and safety.
“If Dr. Besigye has committed a crime, there is a court system to handle it. The regime has no justification for his mistreatment,” he asserted.
Besigye’s Detention
Besigye’s arrest and subsequent detention have sparked outrage both locally and internationally.
The four-time presidential candidate, known for his relentless opposition to President Museveni’s government, was reportedly abducted alongside his associate Obedi Lutale in Nairobi, Kenya.
His transfer to Luzira Prison and the denial of proper medical care have only fueled accusations of political vendetta.
Mpuuga didn’t shy away from calling out the regime’s tactics.
“Dr. Besigye is being persecuted simply for opposing the current regime,” he said. “This is not just about him; it’s about the principles of justice and human rights.”
Dr @kizzabesigye1's deteriorating health is an issue of great concern. Does Gen M7 reflect on the speeches he made in 1980s when he was convincing KB and others to join him in the bushes of Luweero? How shameless can Gen M7 be?#FreeKizzaBesigye pic.twitter.com/7oWge1ulE7
— Mathias Mpuuga (@MathiasMpuuga) February 17, 2025
A Broader Coalition for Justice
Mpuuga’s call to action has resonated beyond political circles. Civil society organizations, religious leaders, and international human rights activists have joined the chorus demanding Besigye’s immediate release.
The message is clear: this is not just an opposition issue—it’s a national crisis.
“We need to demand Dr. Besigye’s immediate release, protest his detention, and ensure that his health is restored,” Mpuuga emphasized. “The leadership within and outside Parliament must rise to the occasion.”
What’s at Stake?
Besigye’s plight is a litmus test for Uganda’s opposition. Can they put aside their differences and unite for a common cause? Or will internal divisions continue to undermine their effectiveness?
For Mpuuga, the answer is clear.
“This is a moment that demands humility, courage, and collective action,” he said. “We cannot afford to fail.”
As the clock ticks, the question remains: will the opposition heed Mpuuga’s call and stand together to rescue Besigye? Or will this moment pass as another missed opportunity in Uganda’s struggle for democracy and justice?
