By Aggrey Baba
Uganda’s medical fraternity has, Monday, February 17, sounded an urgent alarm over the deteriorating health of detained opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye.
In a press conference in Kampala on Sunday, medical practitioners called on the government to act swiftly, warning that his prolonged detention without adequate medical attention could lead to severe complications.
Dr. Besigye has been in custody since November 2024 following his controversial arrest.
His detention has sparked widespread concern, particularly after reports emerged that his health had taken a turn for the worse. In protest of his incarceration, he, reportedly embarked on a hunger strike, which has significantly weakened him.
In recent weeks, he has allegedly suffered episodes of hypertension and general frailty, prompting urgent calls for specialized medical care.
On February 17, 2025, it’s said that Besigye’s condition deteriorated further, leading to his hospitalization under heavy security at a private clinic in Kampala’s Bugolobi suburb.
In response to his worsening health, medical professionals have now organized a peaceful demonstration dubbed Walk to Freedom to demand his release on medical grounds.
Over three days, beginning Wednesday, February 19, a signed petition will be delivered to key government institutions. The first stop will be the Office of the President, followed by Parliament on February 20, and finally, the Supreme Court on February 21.
The initiative has drawn support from a wide range of stakeholders, including human rights organizations and media houses, who insist that the issue transcends politics and is primarily about the right to health and humane treatment.
The medical community has emphasized that denying Besigye timely medical care poses serious risks and could lead to irreversible health consequences.
As preparations for the demonstration continue, all eyes are now on the government.
With pressure mounting, the coming days are expected to reveal whether the authorities will heed the doctors’ call or allow the situation to escalate further. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
