Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine, has condemned what he calls the Ugandan government’s "criminal" refusal to release veteran opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye, who appeared frail and unwell in court today.
In a strongly worded statement, Bobi Wine accused President Museveni’s government of disregarding both the Constitution and a recent Supreme Court ruling that he says should have secured Besigye’s release.
"He is evidently sick and frail and in need of urgent medical attention," Bobi Wine stated, warning that Besigye’s deteriorating condition in custody was a deliberate act of persecution.
He alleged that Museveni and his son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, were intent on keeping the four-time presidential candidate behind bars at all costs.
"Perhaps his shocking images look good to Museveni, who is persecuting him, and his son, who says that Dr Besigye will only come out of prison in a coffin or after kneeling down before his brutal father!"
Besigye, a longtime critic of the Museveni administration, has spent decades challenging government policies, often facing repeated arrests and prolonged legal battles.
His current incarceration has sparked renewed calls for justice from opposition leaders and activists.
Bobi Wine, drawing from his own history of detentions and crackdowns, called upon "all citizens of the world" to rally behind Besigye and other political prisoners.
"While these are definitely very dark times for our country, I want us to find courage in the song which Dr. Besigye loves to sing: Deep in my heart, I do believe we shall overcome some day," he said, invoking a spirit of resilience.
As concerns grow over Besigye’s health, his supporters are pressing for his immediate release, while authorities have yet to publicly address the demands.
The Buganda Road Court sent Besigye back to Luzira Prison where he is being detained by the military despite a Supreme Court order outlawing military trial of civilians.
The highest court in the land last month ordered that all civilians being tried by the military court be set free citing lack of constitutional powers of the military tribunals to handle civilian cases.
However, the military has defied the orders with the government keeping Besigye behind the bars in Luzira from where he is on hunger strike.