news 21 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kizza Besigye Reported Unwell in Luzira Prison Amidst Treason Charges
Opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye is reportedly in poor health at Luzira prison, with his lawyers expressing concern over his deteriorating condition. However, the Uganda Prisons Service has refuted these claims, stating Besigye is recovering from a common cold. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/besigye-reported-ill-again-in-luzira-prison-5468230
Prominent opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, currently on remand at Luzira prison for treason charges, is reportedly facing another health setback. His legal team has raised concerns, with lawyer Eron Kiiza stating that Besigye is too weak to receive visitors and that prison conditions are negatively impacting his health.
Another member of Besigye’s defense team, Erias Lukwago, corroborated these reports, indicating he was heading to the prison to assess the situation. Lukwago mentioned hearing that Besigye is struggling to move and is suffering from a persistent cough and other ailments, describing his general condition as unstable.
Conversely, the Uganda Prisons Service has dismissed these accounts as exaggerated. Spokesperson Frank Baine characterized the reports as “alarmist,” asserting that Dr. Besigye is merely recuperating from a cold he had a few days prior and is now well. Baine suggested such claims might emerge when “they feel they are overshadowed on the radar.”
This latest report follows previous health concerns for Dr. Besigye since his remand in November 2024. Earlier in the year, his party announced he had fallen critically ill and was taken to a private hospital at night. Prior to that, he was also reported to have been on a hunger strike, appearing frail in court appearances.
Dr. Besigye faces treason charges alongside his aide, Hajji Obeid Lutale, and Captain Dennis Oola. Prosecutors allege the three, along with others, plotted to overthrow the government between 2023 and November 2024, with activities spanning Geneva, Athens, Nairobi, and Uganda. The charges originated from their arrest in Nairobi in November 2024, where Besigye and Lutale had attended an event. The accused have pleaded not guilty.
The treason case is currently in its preliminary stages, with the prosecution seeking to conceal the identities of several witnesses. The matter is scheduled to resume court proceedings on May 28 before Justice Emmanuel Baguma.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)