Museveni’s aide breaks silence on Besigye’s fate amid deteriorating health

Kampala, (UG):- As the public continues to demand the unconditional release of veteran opposition figure Rtd Col Dr Kizza Besigye over his deteriorating health and continued detention, the Special Presidential Assistant for Press and Mobilization, Hajj Kirunda Faruk, has spoken out to clarify the government’s stance on the matter.

Taking to his official X account on Monday morning, Hajj Kirunda acknowledged the public’s concerns and sympathized with Besigye’s family but urged for calm, emphasizing that the process to transfer Besigye’s case to a civilian court is already underway.

“I appreciate the concerns on Dr. Besigye’s case and sympathize with the family. However, there is no need for alarm but rather understanding of what has to be done,” Kirunda stated.

He further clarified that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has initiated steps to comply with the Supreme Court’s decision regarding Besigye’s case and dismissed allegations that the opposition leader was under military detention.

“There is a process for transferring his case to the civilian court. The DPP has indicated that steps are already being taken to comply with the decision of the Supreme Court. Moreover, Besigye isn’t under military detention. He is in Luzira, and the family can visit him normally in consultation with the prisons authorities,” Kirunda explained.

“If he is on hunger strike, the family should encourage him to accept nourishment as his legal team prepares to secure for him bail or any other relief,” he added.

Kirunda also dispelled fears that President Museveni’s critical remarks on the Supreme Court ruling were delaying Besigye’s transfer and insisted that the delay was purely procedural and not politically motivated.

“The President’s views on the Supreme Court ruling have nothing to do with Besigye’s detention. It’s the process that’s taking some time. Let all the concerned do their part to conclude this,” he clarified.

Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and longtime critic of President Museveni, has been entangled in numerous legal battles over the years. He last week appeared frail and in a worrying health condition at Buganda Road Court to answer charges related to inciting violence and alleged unlawful assemblies for which he and Lubega Mukaaku were arrested for demonstrating against inflation and high prices of commodities.

His deteriorating health fueled public anxiety, with some opposition leaders and activists calling for his immediate release. Additionally, rumours of a hunger strike have further intensified calls for urgent intervention, with supporters fearing for his well-being.

Last week, the Uganda Medical Association (UMA) has called for the immediate release of jailed veteran opposition politician over his growing health concerns.

“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, signaling an urgent need for specialized medical intervention from a health care team and facility of his choice,” their statement read in part last Friday.

Despite the government’s reassurances, Besigye’s family and supporters remain deeply concerned about his health and continued detention.

His wife, Winnie Byanyima, has previously dismissed official statements as deceptive, insisting that Besigye’s imprisonment is politically motivated and illegal.

Earlier, she had accused Information Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi of attempting to downplay Besigye’s suffering. ”@kizzabesigye1 demands his freedom, not deceitful ‘counsel’ from his captors,” Byanyima said on X.

Legal analysts suggest that while the Supreme Court’s directive is binding, bureaucratic delays within Uganda’s legal and judicial system may be slowing down Besigye’s transfer to a civilian court and his legal team is reportedly exploring avenues to expedite the process, including seeking bail for the opposition figure.