Uganda’s veteran opposition figure, Kizza Besigye, was rushed from Luzira Maximum Security Prison to a medical facility at Bugolobi Village Mall amid growing concern over his health.
In a statement on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, Besigye’s political party, the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), reported that his condition had reached a critical and deteriorating state while in detention.
The transfer reportedly took place during the night under heavy security, highlighting the seriousness of his medical situation. The party called for authorities to grant his family and personal doctors immediate and unrestricted access to him, emphasising the need for proper medical care.
“The People’s Front for Freedom wishes to inform the public and all supporters of freedom that the health of our leader, Dr. Kizza Besigye, has reached a critical and deteriorating state.We have received credible reports that Dr. Besigye was rushed in the night from Luzira Prison to a medical facility at Bugolobi Village Mall under heavy security,” PFF stated.
PFF described the situation as a tragic denial of medical dignity for a man who has devoted his life to the health and freedom of others. The party held the regime and prison authorities fully accountable for Besigye’s well-being and reiterated calls for his release, urging supporters to remain vigilant and continue advocating for his care.
“It is a tragedy that a man who has dedicated his life to the health and freedom of others is being denied his own right to medical dignity. We hold the regime and the prison authorities fully accountable for his well-being. We demand that his personal doctors and family be granted immediate and unrestricted access to him. We reiterate that Dr. Besigye is being held in total disregard of the law. He must be freed to receive the care he deserves,” the statement read further.
Besigye’s health
Besigye, 68, has been a towering figure in Ugandan politics for more than two decades. A former presidential candidate and fierce critic of President Yoweri Museveni, he has been in detention since November 16, 2024, when he was reportedly abducted in Nairobi, Kenya, and taken to Uganda.
Four days after his disappearance, he was arraigned before a military court in Kampala on charges ranging from illegal possession of firearms to endangering national security, all of which he denies. He was remanded to Luzira Prison, where concerns over his treatment mounted.
Human rights groups and legal advocates have repeatedly criticised the handling of Besigye’s case, pointing to Supreme Court rulings that military trials of civilians are unconstitutional and demanding his transfer to ordinary courts with full constitutional protections.
In detention, Besigye has visibly weakened. During court appearances early last year, his supporters reported seeing him frail and struggling with his health, raising alarms that were echoed by lawyers and civil society.
Calls for his immediate medical attention and lawful release have been growing, with his wife and rights groups urging the government to respect his rights. But despite these pressures, Besigye remained in custody until the latest health scare.
