Ugandan MPs Worry About Jailed Opposition Leader's Health.
KAMPALA, Uganda - Members of Uganda's parliament are concerned about the health of jailed opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye. They fear it would reflect poorly on the legislature if he were to die in prison.
"It would send a very bad signal if Dr. Besigye died in prison under our watch," said MP Asuman Basalirwa on Thursday. He noted that Besigye helped bring the current government to power 39 years ago.
Another legislator, Francis Mwijukye, said violations of prisoners' rights have become a common issue raised in parliament. "We need to be seen doing something about it," he urged.
Earlier this week, MPs demanded the government explain alleged abuses of Besigye's rights. Photos circulating in the media showed him looking frail and ill during a court appearance.
Besigye and co-defendant Hajj Obeid Lutale have been detained since November 20, 2024. They were arrested in Kenya on charges of illegally possessing firearms.
The MPs' concerns highlight the delicate political situation surrounding Besigye. He was once an ally of President Yoweri Museveni but became a vocal critic and opposition leader.
Parliament is now grappling with how to address the treatment of such a high-profile prisoner. The images of an ailing Besigye have sparked public outcry.
The government has yet to respond to the allegations of mistreatment formally. But pressure is mounting on officials to ensure Besigye's well-being and right to due process.
The case also raises broader questions about the state of Uganda's prisons and the rights of those behind bars. MPs seem intent on seeking answers and pushing for reforms.
For now, all eyes remain on Besigye's health and how the government will proceed with his case. The situation has put Uganda's human rights record under scrutiny both at home and abroad.
KAMPALA, Uganda - Members of Uganda's parliament are concerned about the health of jailed opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye. They fear it would reflect poorly on the legislature if he were to die in prison.
"It would send a very bad signal if Dr. Besigye died in prison under our watch," said MP Asuman Basalirwa on Thursday. He noted that Besigye helped bring the current government to power 39 years ago.
Another legislator, Francis Mwijukye, said violations of prisoners' rights have become a common issue raised in parliament. "We need to be seen doing something about it," he urged.
Earlier this week, MPs demanded the government explain alleged abuses of Besigye's rights. Photos circulating in the media showed him looking frail and ill during a court appearance.
Besigye and co-defendant Hajj Obeid Lutale have been detained since November 20, 2024. They were arrested in Kenya on charges of illegally possessing firearms.
The MPs' concerns highlight the delicate political situation surrounding Besigye. He was once an ally of President Yoweri Museveni but became a vocal critic and opposition leader.
Parliament is now grappling with how to address the treatment of such a high-profile prisoner. The images of an ailing Besigye have sparked public outcry.
The government has yet to respond to the allegations of mistreatment formally. But pressure is mounting on officials to ensure Besigye's well-being and right to due process.
The case also raises broader questions about the state of Uganda's prisons and the rights of those behind bars. MPs seem intent on seeking answers and pushing for reforms.
For now, all eyes remain on Besigye's health and how the government will proceed with his case. The situation has put Uganda's human rights record under scrutiny both at home and abroad.
