Politics 15 August 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Byanyima Urges Government to Release Besigye for Geneva Medical Treatment
Winnie Byanyima is appealing to the Ugandan government to grant her husband, Dr. Kizza Besigye, urgent bail for specialized medical treatment in Geneva. She asserts that Besigye is too ill to receive adequate care in Uganda and requires international medical attention. Source: https://observer.ug/news/byanyima-presses-govt-to-free-besigye-for-medical-treatment-in-geneva
Winnie Byanyima has made a public plea for the immediate release of her husband, Dr. Kizza Besigye, on bail. She highlighted his dire health condition, stating that he requires specialized medical care only available outside of Uganda, specifically in Geneva, Switzerland.
Byanyima, after visiting Besigye in Luzira prison, described him as extremely weak, struggling with basic tasks like feeding himself. She noted that prison authorities have permitted family assistance due to his frailty.
“He is a sick man; he is a father, a brother, a spouse to me, a citizen of Uganda; he has a right to health and to recover,” Byanyima stated to journalists at their Kasangati home. She expressed confidence that Besigye would return to face his charges once he has recovered, emphasizing his history of not evading legal proceedings.
Dr. Besigye has been detained since November 2024, facing charges of treason and misprision of treason. He recently collapsed in court during a protest against the presiding judge’s conduct before being transferred between facilities, including the UPDF General Court Martial hospital and Mulago National Referral Hospital, before returning to Luzira for treatment.
Byanyima also called for the release of former Kampala Mayor Erias Lukwago, who was arrested and charged with misprision of treason. She believes Lukwago’s arrest is linked to his role in representing Besigye and is part of a broader strategy to suppress opposition.
She further criticized Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi’s assessment of Besigye’s health, dismissing his claims that Besigye’s condition was not a concern, stating that his assertions were factually incorrect.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)