Uganda: FDC Raises Concern Over Besigye's Deteriorating Health in Detention

What the report says

Uganda’s opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has said it is worried about reports that the health of its founding president, Dr. Kizza Besigye, is worsening while he remains in detention. The concern was raised in Kampala during a media briefing on Monday, according to The Independent, which was distributed by AllAfrica. The party said Besigye has been held for more than two years.

FDC Vice Chairperson Robert Franco urged the Ugandan government to release Besigye immediately and without conditions on medical and humanitarian grounds. The party argued that political disagreement with the government should not block access to proper medical treatment and called for independent medical professionals to examine and treat him, including care provided with family present. The party also voiced concern about other political detainees, including Erias Lukwago, a former FDC deputy president and former Kampala lord mayor.

The opposition group warned that authorities would be responsible if delayed or restricted access to treatment worsened Besigye’s condition. It also appealed to regional and international human-rights bodies to press for his release and called for broader national dialogue to address political tensions through peaceful and rights-based means. The reported developments add to long-running scrutiny of Uganda’s treatment of opposition figures in detention.