Besigye Family Sends Stern Warning to Museveni on Continued Incarceration

The family of Rtd.Col.Dr Kizza Besigye has stated that the President is directly responsible for whatever happens to Besigye while in detention.

Besigye’s family while speaking to the media raised concerns regarding his continued incarceration in direct violation of court orders.

Edith Byanyima, one of Dr Kizza Besigye’s in-law says that recently they received information that Dr Besigye’s life started deteriorating. This comes after Besigye’s decision of starting a hunger strike to protest for his continued illegal detention. 

“we received an unexpected request to bring Dr. Besigye’s personal doctor to visit him in detention – this after authorities had repeatedly denied him access to his own doctors. We fear this sudden change signals a severe decline in his condition. We are forced to speak out now because we believe the worst may be imminent”, Edith Byanyima Said.

Besigye appeared at Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court on Friday in a frail state prompting wide condemnation by members of the public. 

“Let us be absolutely clear about what we are and what we are not: we are not politicians seeking power or influence. We are not interested in political positions or gains. We are simply Besigye’s family – scared, and desperate for his safety. We wake up each day with so much fear for his life. Our concern is not political – it is deeply, painfully personal”, Byanyima added.

In the heartfelt public message She stated that President Museveni bears direct personal responsibility for Dr. Besigye’s safety and wellbeing. 

“To President Museveni: You bear direct personal responsibility for Dr. Besigye’s safety and wellbeing. Should any harm come to him while in illegal detention, the world will know exactly where accountability lies. No official denial, no bureaucratic obfuscation, no political maneuvering will obscure this truth. History will judge this moment, and it will judge you for choosing to subvert justice for political expedience.” She elaborated.

“To those holding him: Every meal he refuses, every day his health declines, every moment he suffers-we hold you. These are not just legal violations; they are wounds inflicted on the hearts of his children, his family and his friends.” She said as she read her statement

“To our religious leaders: – our bishops, archbishops, imams, and all faith leaders: Your moral voice is needed now more than ever. You who shepherd our communities and stand for the sanctity of human life, we implore you to speak out. A man’s life hangs in the balance while the courts are ignored. Surely, this calls for your intervention. Your silence in this moment would echo through history. We beg you to raise your voices for both justice and mercy.” She went on to say.

Besigye, has been in detention since November 2024 on charges of unlawful possession of ammunition and firearms, earlier this year charges of treachery were added onto his charge sheet in the General Court Martial where her was being tried despite objections from his lawyers who argued that since he was a civilian the army court lacked jurisdiction to try him.

Eventually the Supreme Court, last month, led by Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, prohibited the trial of civilians in military courts. The Supreme Court’s ruling, delivered on January 31, 2025, mandates that all charges, ongoing criminal trials, and pending trials involving civilians and UPDF members subject to military service laws must cease immediately.