Besigye Raises Solitary Confinement Complaint

Parliament’s Human Rights Committee has authored a report indicating that former presidential candidate Kiiza Besigye is not being denied access to his preferred meals while in prison.

Last week, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa directed the Human Rights Committee to visit Luzira Prison and investigate Besigye’s detention conditions, following consistent complaints from opposition MPs regarding his treatment.

The West Budama North MP and Chairperson of the Human Rights Committee Fox Odoi , reported that Besigye told the committee he has access to sufficient food through three authorized suppliers and cooks his own meals for security reasons.

Odoi also informed Parliament that Besigye feels safer in Luzira Prison compared to other detention facilities and is allowed to see his personal doctor when necessary.

“He also added that the prison doctors visit him on a daily basis and is allowed to see his personal doctor whenever the need arises.” Odoi stated.

However, Odoi while reading his report on the floor of the house shared that Besigye expressed concern about being detained in a highly restricted section, which he described as a prison within a prison and reportedly fears for his safety as he is held alone and not allowed to interact with other prisoners.

Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutaale Kamulegeya were dragged before the General court martial late last year and initially charged with unlawful possession of ammunition and firearms, however charges of treachery were added onto the charge sheet this month.

Prosecution alleges that the duo (Besigye and Lutale) and others still at large, between October 2023 and November 2024, while in the cities of Geneva in Switzerland, Athens in Greece and Nairobi in Kenya, held meetings aimed at soliciting logistical support and identifying military targets in Uganda with intent to prejudice the security of the defence forces.

Prosecution also alleges that Besigye and Lutale on November 16, 2024, while at Riverside Apartments in Nairobi, Kenya, were found in unlawful possession of pistols model 27 KAL number 765 and pistol HB 1014 1953, which are ordinarily the monopoly of the defence forces.