Tension Flares at Rukungiri Burial Over Besigye’s Health Concerns

During a burial in Rukungiri District on February 15, 2025, tensions escalated over conflicting reports about Besigye's health.Dr. Elisa Rutahigwa, the Rukungiri Municipality legislator, informed mourners that he had recently visited Dr. Besigye at Luzira Prison and found him in good health, contradicting alarming reports circulating on social media.

His remarks were met with strong resistance from the mourners, who rejected his update on Besigye's health. The crowd's angry protests forced him to cut his speech short and hand over the microphone.

Earlier, Rubabo County's Mr. Naboth Namanya had informed the mourners that Dr. Besigye's health required prayers and action from all corners of the country.

He appealed to the government to respect human rights and release Besigye, citing his deteriorating health.

He emphasized the need for unity among the people of Rukungiri, regardless of their political affiliations, to advocate for Dr. Besigye's release.

The conflicting statements from the two legislators sparked confusion and anger among the attendees.

Many mourners expressed frustration over the lack of consistent information regarding Besigye's condition. Some accused political leaders of downplaying the severity of his health issues for their own agendas.

Besigye, a prominent opposition figure and four-time presidential candidate, has been detained at Luzira Prison since his arrest during a book launch in Kenya last week.

His abduction and subsequent transfer to Uganda have drawn widespread condemnation from the international community, with calls for his immediate release.

Supporters are increasingly concerned about his well-being and the government's commitment to upholding human rights. The government's silence on the matter has only fueled further speculation and unrest among the populace.

In response to the growing outcry, several human rights organizations have demanded transparency regarding Dr. Besigye's health status.

They urge the government to allow independent medical professionals to assess his condition and ensure he receives appropriate care. These organizations warn that failure to address these concerns could lead to increased tensions and potential unrest.

Local leaders in Rukungiri have called for calm and restraint among residents. They emphasize the importance of peaceful advocacy and dialogue in seeking justice for Dr. Besigye. Community meetings are being organized to discuss the situation and plan collective actions to support his release.

The events in Rukungiri reflect a broader national discourse on political freedoms and human rights in Uganda. Dr. Besigye's detention has become a focal point for discussions on government accountability and the treatment of opposition figures. As pressure mounts, the government's response in the coming days will be closely scrutinized both domestically and internationally.

Engaging in peaceful and constructive dialogue remains essential in addressing the challenges posed by Dr. Besigye's detention and the broader implications for Uganda's political landscape