Besigye: Dr Mukose released after arrest over ‘wandering’ in Mulago VIP wing

What the report says

Former Inspectorate of Government commissioner Dr Moses Mukose has been released after spending more than 20 hours in police custody following his arrest at Mulago National Referral Hospital, according to The Observer. Mukose, who is also the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) governor for the Busoga sub-region, was detained over allegations of “wandering” in the hospital’s Level Six VIP wing.

The paper reports that Mukose had gone to the hospital to visit his father-in-law, who has been in the Intensive Care Unit for about two weeks. His son, Arnold Anthony Mukose, said security officers intercepted him after he left the ward and accused him of being at Mulago to monitor the security situation around opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye, who is being held under tight security at the same facility.

The Observer said police later changed the reason for the arrest from disobeying lawful orders to “wandering within Level Six.” Arnold Mukose said the family obtained police bond and took him home to rest. The arrest has prompted criticism from opposition figures and lawyers, who questioned both the legality of the detention and the offence listed on the bond.

The development comes amid heightened security around Besigye at Mulago, where PFF leaders were also denied access to him on Friday. Hospital staff said ICU rules do not allow visitors to enter. More broadly, the case highlights tensions around access, security and the treatment of opposition-linked visitors at public health facilities.