Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who has been on a hunger strike for a week, was returned to prison after spending the night at a clinic, according to his supporters.
The 68-year-old was urgently taken to a private medical facility in a prison ambulance as his health deteriorated, his lawyer Erias Lukwago revealed on Facebook.
Besigye faced charges in a military court including illegal possession of a firearm, threatening national security, and treason, which carries the death penalty. He denies all allegations.
Reports of his declining health emerged shortly after a government minister claimed to have visited Besigye in prison and advised him to end his hunger strike, promising to move his case from a military court to a civilian court.
Fellow opposition leader Bobi Wine, accompanied by human rights activists, attempted to visit Besigye in prison on Monday but prison officials denied them access, citing Besigye’s weakened condition.
Bobi Wine expressed grave concern for Besigye’s health, stating, “This man is in critical condition. Dr. Besigye is unable to leave his bed,” and called for his immediate release.
Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, criticized the government minister’s visit as “highly suspicious,” pointing out the inherent conflict of interest as a government official also involved in his detention.
Besigye, a former presidential candidate, has been detained since his controversial abduction in Kenya and subsequent military trial in Uganda. Despite a Supreme Court ruling against civilian trials in military courts, the government has persisted in pursuing Besigye’s case in a military setting.
Besigye’s supporters and allies continue to express concern over his well-being and demand his release from detention.
In a courtroom appearance on Friday, opposition leader Kizza Besigye appeared frail, prompting the Ugandan medical doctors’ association to demand his immediate release on health grounds in a separate case. The calls for Besigye’s release have been growing, with his family, opposition members, and human rights groups all advocating for his freedom on medical grounds.
Swaibu Ibrahim reporting from Kampala brings us additional information on this developing story. For more news from the African continent, visit BBCAfrica.com. Stay updated by following us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, Facebook at BBC Africa, and Instagram at bbcafrica.
