President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has dismissed growing concerns over the deteriorating health of opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye, attributing his condition to a self-imposed hunger strike rather than neglect by authorities.
In a statement addressing public outcry, Museveni assured the nation that Besigye has access to medical care within the prison and from his personal doctors.
“There is, first of all, a government hospital in the prison. Besides, Dr. Besigye’s personal doctors have been visiting him and even taking him to private clinics. If there was a need for any additional medical care, the government would be advised,” Museveni stated.
The president criticized Besigye’s decision to refuse food, arguing that it was a tactic to attract sympathy rather than a genuine health crisis.
“However, in this case, Dr. Besigye was on hunger strike. That is part of the cause for his weakness that we could see in the pictures that were in the Newspapers.”
“Is that not unprincipled blackmail? How can you be accused of serious crimes and then your response is a hunger strike to generate sympathy for getting bail?” Museveni questioned.
He further emphasised that the most appropriate course of action should be a speedy trial rather than political maneuvering.
“Why don’t you demand a quick trial? The military court was ready for the trial. Let us wait for the civilian court,” Museveni added.
The remarks come amid mounting pressure from opposition leaders, civil society organizations, and international human rights groups, who have called for urgent medical intervention for Besigye, citing reports of his deteriorating health.
Besigye, a long-time critic of Museveni’s government, was arrested on charges that remain contentious among his supporters. His detention has sparked fresh debates on human rights and political freedoms in Uganda, with activists accusing the government of using the judicial system to silence opposition voices.