By Mulengera Reporters
Uganda Prisons Services has revealed that former presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye has stopped communicating with prison authorities. The Commissioner General of Prisons, Johnson Byabashaija, defended Besigye’s solitary confinement, arguing that it is necessary to prevent him from inciting fellow inmates.
Byabashaija made these remarks while appearing before Parliament’s Human Rights Committee, which is investigating concerns about Besigye’s welfare. This follows media reports that prison authorities had restricted his access to food, legal counsel, and family visits.
“Previously, whenever we had Dr. Besigye in custody, he would engage with us freely. But not this time,” Byabashaija said. “I spoke with a close relative who expressed fears for his life, and I decided to tighten security measures around him. He is held in Ward 19 with 19 other inmates, and they are not allowed to leave the Boma. I changed the security protocols for his safety.”
Byabashaija explained that Besigye’s movements are restricted due to security concerns, as prison staff at Luzira Upper Prison are outnumbered by inmates at a ratio of 12:1. “If inmates were to organize an incident, it could be catastrophic. We cannot allow anything that could excite them, and Dr. Besigye has the ability to do so,” he added.
Restrictions on Visits and Hunger Strike Claims
The Commissioner General defended the decision to limit Besigye’s physical interactions, saying he now communicates with visitors via phone. “Initially, he was allowed direct visits, but when concerns were raised, I ordered that he use a screen for communication. This is for security reasons,” Byabashaija explained.
He also dismissed reports that Besigye had gone on a hunger strike, clarifying that the opposition leader had designated three individuals to bring him food. “We have no record of him refusing to eat. I have instituted a strict security regime around him to ensure his safety,” he said. “When someone claims you want to kill them while they are in your custody, you must take extra precautions.”
However, MP Rose Obigah (Terego District Woman Representative) provided a different account. She told the committee that Besigye had, at one point, been prevented from receiving food from outside and was instructed to buy from the prison canteen or use prison staff to make purchases. “As a result, he went on a hunger strike until a meeting was held, and the decision was reversed,” Obigah noted.
Blocking of Besigye’s Lawyer
Uganda Prisons also defended its decision to deny Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, Besigye’s lawyer, access to his client on a particular day, despite him carrying crucial legal documents ahead of Besigye’s court appearance.
Byabashaija explained that the Human Rights Committee was visiting Besigye that day, and MPs take precedence over other visitors. “When I denied Lukwago access, it was because I had already cleared MPs to visit. We cannot have MPs, lawyers, and thousands of other inmates’ visitors all at once. However, Lukwago was allowed in the following day. We are not unreasonable,” he said.
He further noted that prison officers have the authority to deny entry to anyone who is deemed unruly. “MPs are not denied access because they are visiting in their capacity as justices. But the Officer in Charge has the right to refuse entry if someone is causing disorder,” Byabashaija added-Parliament Watch. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
