Veteran opposition politician, Dr. Kizza Besigye has called off his hunger strike following his appearance before the Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court today.
Besigye, who had been on hunger strike for over seven days, was protesting what he termed as illegal detention without a fair trial.
The announcement was made by his lawyer, Erias Lukwago, at the Nakawa Magistrates Court, where Besigye was arraigned alongside his aide, Obeid Lutale. The two were read new charges of treason, further intensifying their legal battle.
Speaking to journalists outside the courtroom, Lukwago confirmed that Besigye had decided to end his hunger strike as he is now able to lawfully pursue a bail application.
“We want to announce officially that Dr. Besigye has called off the hunger strike now that he has been brought before this court. All along, he was protesting illegal detention and being on remand without a valid or lawful court warrant,” Lukwago stated.
The lawyer explained that his client’s primary concern had been the lack of due process in his detention.
Now that a remand warrant has been issued and the bail application process has begun, Besigye is prepared to engage in the legal proceedings to secure his release and seek necessary medical treatment.
“Now that he has been produced before court, a remand warrant has been issued, and we are actively pursuing a bail application, he is calling off the hunger strike. This will allow us to focus on securing his liberty and ensuring he gets proper medical care,” Lukwago added.
Besigye and his aide, Obeid Lutale, were arrested in November last year in Kenya on allegations of engaging in anti-government activities.
During today’s court session, Besigye appeared in a wheelchair, underscoring concerns about his deteriorating health due to his prolonged hunger strike. Despite his health condition, Besigye was further remanded till March, 7, 2025.
