National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Bobi Wine has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating health of opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye, following his ongoing hunger strike in protest against his detention. Besigye, a long-time adversary of President Yoweri Museveni, has been in custody since November 2024. His hunger strike, which he began on February 12, 2025, is a call for his release and a protest against what he describes as unlawful detention.
On Sunday, February 15, Besigye was rushed to a clinic at Bugolobi Village Mall in critical condition, further highlighting the grave situation. Bobi Wine, who visited the hospital on Monday, February 16, revealed that Besigye was too weak to leave his bed unsupported. He added, “We were not able to see Dr. Kizza Besigye because we were told he is very weak and is not able to leave bed unsupported. He is increasingly becoming very weak but he is strong.” Despite his frail condition, Bobi Wine emphasized that Besigye’s resolve remains firm.
During the visit, Bobi Wine and other opposition leaders were allowed to meet with other political prisoners at the facility. These prisoners confirmed that Besigye began the hunger strike on February 12 and the effects were already evident. Besigye, in his weakened state, is reported to have sent a message to his supporters urging them to continue the fight not just for his freedom but for all political prisoners.
Besigye’s health has been a cause for concern since his arrest. On Friday, February 13, he appeared in court for a separate trial, looking frail and fragile, which prompted widespread outrage from his supporters. The former personal physician to President Museveni has long been an outspoken critic of the government and has been involved in numerous protests against political persecution.
Besigye’s trial comes in the context of Uganda’s political landscape, where opposition leaders continue to face heavy repression. The veteran opposition leader is charged with “threatening national security,” a charge that many see as politically motivated. His legal team has argued that the charges are baseless and that Besigye’s detention is unjust.
In January 2025, Uganda’s Supreme Court ruled that civilians should not be tried in military courts, but President Museveni rejected the ruling, allowing the prosecution of opposition figures to continue. Despite being less active in recent years, Besigye’s hunger strike is seen as a renewed attempt to draw attention to the political persecution and unfair treatment faced by Ugandan opposition leaders.
As Besigye’s health continues to deteriorate, the Ugandan opposition is rallying behind him, calling for his immediate release and an end to political repression in the country.
