Veteran Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye was transferred under heavy security from Luzira Maximum Security Prison to a medical facility at Bugolobi Village Mall on the night of January 20, 2026, amid growing concerns over his deteriorating health.
The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), Besigye’s political party, described his condition as critical, calling for immediate and unrestricted access for his family and personal doctors to ensure 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,” the party said in a statement.
PFF condemned what it described as a denial of medical dignity for a man who has devoted his life to public service, holding authorities fully accountable for his well-being. The party reiterated calls for Besigye’s release, urging supporters to remain vigilant and advocate 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. Dr. Besigye is being held in total disregard of the law. He must be freed to receive the care he deserves,” the statement read.
Besigye, 68, has been a central figure in Ugandan politics for over two decades. A former presidential candidate and vocal critic of President Yoweri Museveni, he has been in detention since November 16, 2024, when he was reportedly abducted in Nairobi, Kenya, and transported to Uganda.
Four days later, Besigye appeared before a military court in Kampala on charges including illegal possession of firearms and endangering national security, all of which he denies. He was remanded to Luzira Prison, where concerns about his treatment quickly mounted. Human rights groups and legal advocates have repeatedly criticized the handling of his case, citing Supreme Court rulings that military trials of civilians are unconstitutional and calling for his transfer to ordinary courts with full constitutional protections.
During detention, Besigye’s health visibly declined. Supporters reported seeing him frail and struggling during court appearances last year, raising alarms that were echoed by lawyers and civil society organizations.
Calls for immediate medical attention and lawful release have intensified in recent weeks, with his wife and human rights groups urging the government to respect his fundamental rights. The latest emergency transfer underscores the seriousness of his condition and continues to draw domestic and international attention.
