Kizza Besigye’s Wife Expresses Worry Over His Health as He Continues Hunger Strike

The Detained Opposition Figure’s Health Worsens

ADDIS ABABA: The wife of detained Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye, Winnie Byanyima, expressed her deep concern over her husband’s health on Sunday, nearly a week after he began a hunger strike to protest his detention.

About Kizza Besigye’s Background

Kizza Besigye, 68, is a leading opponent of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power for nearly 40 years. Besigye has unsuccessfully challenged Museveni in four elections.

The Hunger Strike

Besigye is currently on trial for “threatening national security” and has been in detention since his abduction in Kenya in November. On February 10, he began a hunger strike to protest his detention, with his lawyer describing him as “critically ill”.

Winnie Byanyima’s Concerns

“He’s not been eating, he’s only drinking water,” Byanyima told AFP on Sunday. “He says it’s his only act of protest at the illegal detention that he’s being put through.”

When Besigye was last seen in public, during a court appearance on Friday, “he looked very frail and dehydrated,” Byanyima said. She added that she was “very worried about his condition now”.

The Background of the Case

Besigye is facing the death penalty on treason charges in a court martial, a move that has been widely criticized by human rights organizations. Museveni rejected last month’s supreme court ruling that civilians should not be tried in military courts.

UN and Rights Organisations’ Concerns

The UN and several rights organisations have voiced their concern about the suppression of the political opposition in Uganda in the run-up to the 2026 presidential elections. Rights group Amnesty International branded Besigye’s case a “travesty of justice”.

Conclusion

The situation of Kizza Besigye and the political opposition in Uganda is a cause for concern, with many questioning the fairness and legitimacy of the legal proceedings against him. The international community must continue to monitor the situation closely and urge the Ugandan government to respect the rights of its citizens and democratic principles.

FAQs

* What is the current status of Kizza Besigye’s health?
His health is deteriorating, with reports of him being frail and dehydrated.
* What is the reason for Besigye’s detention?
He is being held on treason charges and is facing the death penalty in a court martial.
* What is the international community’s stance on the situation?
The UN and several rights organizations have expressed their concern about the suppression of the political opposition in Uganda and the legitimacy of the legal proceedings against Besigye.