Ugandan Government Downplays Besigye’s Health Concerns Amid Family Dispute

The Ugandan government has dismissed growing concerns over the health of prominent opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, insisting he is only suffering from “minor diarrhoea” and is receiving adequate care while in detention – a claim strongly disputed by his wife, renowned activist Winnie Byanyima.

Information and Communications Technology Minister Chris Baryomunsi told reporters that Dr. Besigye had been treated by his personal physician and was continuing life in prison “as usual.” According to Baryomunsi, “There is no cause for alarm. Dr. Besigye was attended to by his own doctor and is now well.” He further noted that the list of next-of-kin provided to authorities did not include Byanyima, a detail he suggested justified her exclusion from official updates.

However, Byanyima has publicly rejected the government’s account, raising questions about transparency and prisoner welfare in Uganda’s justice system. She stated, “I do not accept the government’s version of events regarding my husband’s health. The public deserves the truth about his condition and treatment.”

Dr. Kizza Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and longtime critic of President Yoweri Museveni, has faced repeated arrests and detentions over the past two decades. His ongoing imprisonment has drawn attention from international human rights organizations concerned about political freedoms and detainee rights in Uganda.

Political analysts note that disputes over access to medical information are not uncommon in high-profile political cases across Africa, where governments may seek to control narratives around opposition figures. Such incidents often become flashpoints for broader debates on civil liberties and state accountability.

The controversy also highlights longstanding tensions between the Ugandan government and opposition movements – tensions that have shaped the country’s post-independence history. Issues surrounding political prisoners’ welfare frequently spark domestic and international scrutiny.

Observers stress that transparent communication with families of detainees is essential for upholding human rights standards.

As one regional expert put it: “When governments restrict information about prisoners’ health or family contact, it raises serious concerns about due process and humane treatment.”

As calls grow for independent verification of Dr. Besigye’s condition, many Ugandans are watching closely to see how authorities respond and whether this latest dispute will prompt reforms in how political detainees are treated.