Lawyers of detained MP for Kyadondo East, Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) are asking rights watchdog, Uganda Human Rights Commission to push for the immediate transfer of Bobi Wine to a specialized medical facility so that his deteriorating health can be properly managed.
Lukwago and Company Advocates who are part of the legal team representing Bobi Wine are concerned over the reports given by the medical personnel who examined the embattled legislator on Saturday.
According to the medics, Bobi Wine sustained a damaged kidney and is experiencing excruciating pain in the hip and head yet no scan or X-ray examination has been conducted.
“No clerar indication that the military barracks is equipped with necessary facilities to handle his deteriorating health,” the lawyers wrote in the August 18 letter to the Chairman of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC).
“In the premises, we seek for your indulgence to once again make quick intervention by inter alia invoking your powers under Article 53 of the constitutionally and order that Robert Kyagulanyi be immediately transferred to a medical facility of his choice for specialized management of his life,” the lawyers added.
When the family members and lawyers were given initial access to see MP Kyagulanyi on Friday, they said he was in a very bad shape, he spoke with extreme difficulty and could not walk by himself. This was as a result of the injuries and damage he sustained from the battering and torture by soldiers who arrested him, according to Bobi Wine.
“He is in a very bad shape. It is terrible, if you are a human being, you can’t help but shed tears,” Lukwago told reporters outside the military barracks on Friday.
“Everybody was in tears. Everybody who witnessed him was literally in tears”.
He said that the musician turned legislator tried to narrate his ordeal and how he was treated during his arrest, but “with a lot of difficulty”.
According to the lawyer, Bobi Wine could not sit or support himself to do anything. He said that soldiers carry him even when he is going to ease himself.
Lukwago had also said that one of the military doctors assigned to the suspect revealed that they lacked the necessary equipment to offer the required medical attention.
On the same day, the UPDF Spokesperson, Brig Richard Karemire gave assurance that the suspect would get the required medical attention.
“For whatever condition Hon Kyagulanyi may be in as result of the whole Arua fracas, UPDF will ensure he receives adequate medical attention now that he is under its safe custody,” Brig Karemire said.
Bobi Wine is being held at the military barracks in Makindye after being charged in the army court for illegal possession of a fire arm.