Rukungiri demands release of its 'son' Besigye
A detailed view of a billboard with an image calling for the release of opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye is seen in Rukungiri District on February 17, 2025. Rukungiri is Besigye's ancestral home. PHOTO/RONALD KABANZA
What you need to know:
- They have expressed deep concern about Besigye's frailty, which was evident during a court appearance last week.
Opposition supporters in Rukungiri District Monday evening called for the release of their home son, Dr Kizza Besigye, citing concerns over his deteriorating health while incarcerated at Luzira Prison.
The opposition leader, who has been detained since November 2024, is reportedly struggling with severe health issues and in dire need of specialized medical care.
In a press briefing at the FDC party offices in Rukungiri Town, district FDC spokesperson Innocent Museveni Rubarondesa highlighted the critical condition of Besigye.
"Dr. Besigye is visibly unwell, and his condition is worsening," Rubarondesa said.
"He needs immediate medical attention at a facility of his choice, in line with Uganda's constitutional right to healthcare," he added.
Rtd. Rev. Elly Akankawasa added his voice, urging President Museveni and his son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba to release Besigye on medical grounds.
“We have lost too many people who were stronger than you, and we cannot lose our son, Dr. Besigye. Release him now before it’s too late,” Rev. Akankawasa warned.
Darius Baguma, an FDC member, expressed deep concern about Besigye's frailty, which was evident during a court appearance last week.
“Besigye looked alarmingly weak. His health is deteriorating, and the government must act,” Baguma urged.
The party leadership also called on the Ugandan Prisons Commissioner, Johnson Byabashaija, to respect the rule of law and release Besigye.
"Dr. Besigye is one of us. He deserves medical treatment like any other Ugandan," Baguma stated.
Rukungiri Municipality FDC Chairperson Honest Tushemerirwe appealed to the women of Rukungiri to rally behind the release of their son, fearing for his life if he remains in prison any longer.
“Our son is suffering in jail for no just cause. Let us all stand together to demand his release,” she said.
Neighbors of Dr Besigye at his ancestral home in Rukungiri District, Nathan Mugisha and Amos Akandwanaho, also expressed their frustration with the government.
“We are tired of seeing our son in prison. He should be released to come home alive,” they said on Monday.
Rukungiri Municipality lawmaker Dr Elisa Rutahigwa said: “No one is above the law. Dr. Besigye deserves proper treatment,” Rutahigwa said.
Additionally, he promised to do everything in his power to secure Besigye’s release and urged the residents to remain calm while they continue to push for justice.
Despite reports suggesting that Besigye has been on a hunger strike to protest his detention, Uganda Prisons authorities deny these claims, stating that “he is in good health.”
Besigye’s arrest and continued detention, despite a Supreme Court ruling that civilians cannot be tried in military courts, have sparked outrage and widespread calls for his immediate release with protests reported in some parts of the country on Monday.
