Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye is reported to be in critical condition in prison, three days after beginning a hunger strike in protest against his detention, his lawyer Erias Lukwago has said.
Speaking to AFP on Thursday, Lukwago described Besigye’s health as “worrying” and said he requires immediate medical attention. He explained that the opposition figure, who is being held in prison, was too unwell to attend court hearings and was unable to leave his cell.
Lukwago further stated that the prison’s medical facilities are inadequate to treat Besigye’s condition and insisted that he should receive treatment outside the detention centre if he is to recover.
However, prison spokesman Frank Baine refused to comment on the politician’s health but maintained that the prison’s medical facilities are capable of handling his case, as they do with other inmates.
He dismissed concerns raised by Besigye’s legal team, describing them as “alarmists,” and assured that the authorities would continue to manage his condition while he remains in their custody.
Besigye, who was once President Yoweri Museveni’s personal doctor, became a key opposition figure after breaking away from the government 25 years ago. He has since contested the presidency four times, though without success.
He was arrested in Kenya last November and has been facing treason charges before a military court, where he risks the death penalty.”
