The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has expressed concern over the health of its leader, Dr. Kizza Besigye, saying his condition has deteriorated to a critical level while in detention.
In a statement issued on Monday, the party said it had received what it described as credible information indicating that Besigye was transferred overnight from Luzira Prison to a medical facility at Bugolobi Village Mall under heavy security deployment.
“The health of our leader, Dr. Kizza Besigye, has reached a critical and deteriorating state,” the statement said, adding that the reported transfer occurred during the night.
PFF described the situation as tragic, arguing that Besigye, a long-time opposition figure and a medical doctor by training, is being denied what it termed his right to medical dignity.
“It is a tragedy that a man who has dedicated his life to the health and freedom of others is being denied his own right to medical dignity,” the party said.
The party said it holds the government and prison authorities fully responsible for Besigye’s wellbeing and demanded that his personal doctors and family be granted immediate and unrestricted access to him.
PFF further reiterated its position that Besigye’s detention is unlawful and called for his immediate release to allow him access to proper medical care.
“He must be freed to receive the care he deserves,” the statement added.
The party also appealed to its supporters and members of the public to remain vigilant and to keep Besigye in their prayers, saying it would continue to issue updates as more information becomes available from its teams on the ground.
By the time of publication, the Uganda Prisons Service had not issued an official statement regarding Besigye’s reported transfer to the medical facility.
