The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has sounded alarm over the deteriorating health of jailed opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, claiming he was rushed late last night from Luzira Prison to a private medical facility in Bugolobi under tight security.

In a strongly worded statement issued Tuesday morning, the political party said Besigye’s condition had become “critical,” accusing the government and prison authorities of denying him access to proper medical care and disregarding his constitutional rights.

“It is a tragedy that a man who has dedicated his life to the health and freedom of others is being denied his own right to medical dignity,” the statement seen by ChimpReports reads in part. 

“We hold the regime and the prison authorities fully accountable for his well-being.” The group demanded that Besigye’s personal physicians and family be granted immediate and unrestricted access, warning that continued detention under the current circumstances could amount to “cruel and inhumane treatment.”

Dr. Besigye, a four-time presidential contender and one of President Museveni’s fiercest political rivals, has been in detention since November 2024. 

He faces serious charges including treason, stemming from allegations that he and others conspired over two decades in Uganda and abroad to overthrow the government by force.

While the government maintains that due process is being followed, PFF and allied opposition actors argued then that the charges were politically motivated and designed to remove Besigye from the public arena ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Besigye has been in and out of hospital in recent months, with chronic hypertension and other age-related conditions cited. His supporters argue that prison conditions are aggravating his ailments.

Human rights organisations and international observers have previously urged Ugandan authorities to uphold the health rights of detainees, particularly in cases involving older political prisoners. Besigye is 69.

PFF appealed to the public to remain vigilant and prayerful.

“We ask all compatriots and lovers of freedom to keep Dr. Besigye in your prayers,” the party said. 

“We will continue to provide updates as more details emerge from our teams on the ground.”

Officials from the Uganda Prisons Service and the Uganda Police Force have not yet publicly responded to the latest developments.

By ChimpReports