Opposition politician, KizzaBesigye, has been rushed to a private health facility in Bugolobi, Kampala, after his health condition deteriorated, according to his lawyer, Erias Lukwago.
“More prayers for Dr.Besigye currently at a private medical facility in Bugoloobi where he was rushed in an ambulance after his health condition deteriorated,” Lukwago said.
Earlier today (Sunday), Besigye’s family said that President Yoweri Museveni should be fully held accountable if anything happens to Besigye.
Besigye is jailed at Luzira maximum security prison on charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and treachery.
On Friday, he appeared before Buganda Road Court on separate charges of inciting violence.
The four-time presidential contender appeared in court weak and frail.
Today, Besigye’s family told reporters that last night, they received an unexpected request from Luzira prison to bring Besigye’s personal doctor to visit him in detention.
Previously, prison authorities have repeatedly denied him access to his own doctors.
Edith Byanyima, who read the joint family statement, expressed fear that this sudden change to call for Besigye’s personal doctors signals a severe decline in his condition.
Edith, who is the sister of Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, said that if anything happens to Besigye, Museveni should be held accountable.
“To President Museveni, you bear direct personal responsibility for Dr. Besigye’s safety and wellbeing. Should any harm come to him while in illegal detention, the world will know exactly where accountability lies,” she added.
”No official denial, no bureaucratic obfuscation, no politicamanoeuvringng will obscure this truth. History will judge this moment, and it will judge you for choosing to subvert justice for political expedience.”
Edith said that each day of Besigye’s “illegal detention brings fresh anguish to our family, and we are forced to speak out because we can not bear the thought of silence leading to tragedy.”
“We are simply Besigye’s family – scared and desperate for his safety. We wake up each day with so much fear for his life. Our concern is not political – it is deeply painfully personal.”
Besigye and his political associate, Hajj Obeid Lutale, were last November sent to prison by the general court martial.
On January 31, the Supreme Court ruled that trial of civilians in military courts is illegal.
Besigye’s family said the authorities’ refusal to free Besigye is a violation of law.
“It is a contemptuous assault on the very foundations of justice that our country is supposed to uphold. If there are charges against Dr. Besigye, they should be heard in a court of law, with full adherence to due process. The current detention, without a legal basis, is nothing short of state-sanctioned kidnapping.”
Justice Minister Norbert Mao said the Supreme Court did not order Besigye’s release and that the process is underway to transfer his case to civil courts.
The family also called on religious leaders to call for Besigye’s freedom.
“Your moral voice is needed now more than ever. You who shepherd our communities and stand for sanctity of human life, we implores for your intervention,” said Edith Byanyima.
“A man’s life hangs in the balance while the courts are ignored. Surely, this calls for your intervention. Your silence in this moment would echo through history. We beg you to raise your voices for both justice and mercy.”