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The Nairobian

Ugandan opposition leaders denied access to Besigye

Africa

By Winfrey Owino | Feb 17, 2025

Uganda's veteran opposition figure Kizza Besigye stands in the dock at the Makindye Martial Court in Kampala. [AFP]

Members of Ugandan opposition politics, including Bobi Wine, have been denied access to Kizza Besigye hours after he was hospitalized in Kampala.

Reports by local media indicate Besigye was rushed to hospital on Sunday after he went on a hunger strike while in detention.

Speaking to NTV Uganda, National Unity Platform (NUP) Party leader Bobi Wine says Besigye is very weak and could not move without support.

“We were not able to see Dr Kizza Besigye because we were told he is very weak and is not able to leave bed unsupported. He is increasingly becoming very weak but he is strong,”

However, the former musician clarifies they were allowed to see other political prisoners.

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According to AFP News, Besigye was hospitalized briefly under heavy security, but was discharged and taken back to hospital on Monday.

Besigye's lawyer Erias Lukwago said he "was brought under heavy security deployment to a private medical facility in Bugolobi (Kampala) last night and taken back to Luzira prison".

Besigye was forcefully arrested in November 2024, while preparing to attend former Minister Martha Karua’s book launch in Nairobi, Kenya.

He is currently facing trial for “threatening national security”

On Friday, he appeared in court for a hearing in a separate case, looking frail, prompting outrage from his supporters.

Despite a ruling from Uganda’s Supreme Court in January that civilians should not be tried in military courts, President Museveni has rejected the decision, allowing the prosecution to continue.

Besigye has contested and lost four presidential elections against Museveni, who has been in power since 1986.