Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who began a hunger strike last week, has been moved to a hospital after his health rapidly declined, according to a lawmaker and a local broadcaster.
Besigye, a long-time critic of President Yoweri Museveni, has been detained at a high-security facility in Kampala since November. His legal team claims he was “kidnapped” in Kenya and forcibly returned to Uganda, where he faces charges in the military’s General Court Martial.
“Besigye has been transported to a clinic at Bugolobi Village Mall under heavy security,” said Francis Mwijukye, a lawmaker allied with the opposition leader, in a post on the X platform late Sunday. “He was wheeled in.”
NTV reported Besigye’s arrival at the facility, noting the area was surrounded by “tight security.” A family member told the broadcaster that his condition was worsening, describing it as “bad.”
On the same day, Uganda’s Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi announced the government would expedite Besigye’s case transfer to civilian courts, following a Supreme Court ruling last month that civilians should not face military prosecution.
The move sparked outrage across the nation, with prominent figures like opposition leader Bobi Wine and the medical doctors’ association calling for Besigye’s immediate release and unimpeded access to medical care.
Public fury intensified after Besigye appeared in court on Friday visibly weakened, struggling to walk and unable to moisten his dry lips. His lawyers confirmed his health was deteriorating and that the hunger strike was taking a severe toll.
