PFF to Hold Peaceful Protest for Ailing Political Prisoners' Bail

The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) is organizing a peaceful demonstration on Monday, September 14, 2026, to press for the release on bail of political prisoners whose health is reportedly deteriorating. According to the party, these individuals require specialized medical attention that cannot be adequately provided within detention facilities.

The procession is slated to commence at 11:00 AM from the PFF headquarters in Katonga. From there, participants will march to the office of the Chief Justice to present a petition highlighting their concerns.

Dr. Lulume Bayiga, speaking for the PFF, emphasized that the demonstration is specifically focused on securing bail for detainees whose medical conditions necessitate hospitalization rather than continued incarceration. “This petition is concerned with the demand for bail for people who don’t belong to prisons but to hospitals due to their conditions,” Bayiga stated.

This initiative comes as part of the PFF’s ongoing campaign for the release of several detained leaders, including Dr. Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutale, as well as Erias Lukwago, whose health has been a point of concern during his legal proceedings. The party has previously argued that Besigye’s health could impede his ability to participate in his court cases.

Bayiga condemned the ongoing detention of individuals with severe health issues as unjust and urged the Ugandan public to voice their opposition. The PFF believes the demonstration will provide a platform for citizens and supporters to peacefully convey their grievances directly to the judiciary.

The petition will focus on the treatment of accused individuals with critical medical needs and advocate for bail when circumstances warrant it. The PFF has previously voiced criticism over bail denials for its leaders, a sentiment echoed by the Uganda Law Society in July concerning the bail applications of Besigye and Lutale.

The party alleges that Besigye and Lukwago were moved to medical facilities in August due to declining health, intensifying their calls for bail. Bayiga assured that the procession would remain peaceful, aiming to raise public awareness about the need for humane treatment of detainees, particularly those requiring hospital-level care.

This planned demonstration is expected to reignite public discourse on the critical balance between lawful detention, the right to bail, and ensuring access to necessary medical treatment for accused persons. The protest is scheduled to start at 11:00 AM on September 14 from the PFF headquarters in Katonga before proceeding to the Chief Justice’s office to present the petition.

Source: Nile Post