PFF demands medical bail for Besigye

What the report says

The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has called for the immediate release of Dr. Kizza Besigye on medical bail, saying his reported health problems may prevent him from taking part in ongoing court proceedings in Kampala. In a press briefing reported by The Independent Uganda on Monday, party leaders also urged that the judge hearing the case recuse himself, arguing that they have concerns about the way the case has been handled.

According to the report, PFF officials including Dr. Michael Lulume Bayigga, Dr. Nicholas Kamara and Ingrid Turinawe said Besigye’s condition should be reassessed by doctors chosen by his family. Kamara questioned whether Besigye is fit to stand trial after reports that he collapsed during court and later received treatment at several facilities, including Mulago National Referral Hospital. Bayigga said the party had received information, attributed to Besigye’s wife, suggesting that his cognitive and physical recovery was incomplete. The report said these claims were not backed by an independent medical report at the briefing.

The party also asked that Justice Emmanuel Baguma step aside from the case involving Besigye and co-accused Obed Lutale, and it called on the Judicial Service Commission and Chief Justice Flavian Zeija to intervene. PFF leaders said repeated denial of bail amounts to punishment before conviction and alleged problems with courtroom procedure. They also launched wider solidarity actions, including weekly wearing of Uganda’s national colors and prayer gatherings for Besigye and other political prisoners.

The case remains closely watched because it combines questions about a defendant’s health, judicial conduct and the broader treatment of opposition figures in Uganda. The Independent’s report said uncertainty remains over Besigye’s expected return to court and whether the request for medical bail will be granted.