Residents and leaders in Rukungiri District are calling on President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to address the continued imprisonment of opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye during his upcoming visit, expressing concern over his health and alleged mistreatment in Luzira Prison.
Rukungiri Municipality MP aspirant Richard Akanyijuka Beyogyera said residents are deeply worried about Dr Besigye’s well-being.
He urged the President to explain why Besigye has spent over a year on remand and asked him to intervene.
Another resident, Fenecasi Mwebembezi, echoed these concerns, urging the President to address the district’s healthcare challenges.
"The lack of medicine and the shortage of health facilities has led to widespread illness and suffering," Mwebembezi noted.
Meanwhile, Mathias Kamusiime, speaker for Western Division, and aspiring female youth councilor for Rukungiri Municipality, Anitah Atukunda, said they would appeal to the President during his campaign rally to release Dr Kizza Besigye, whom they described as “the voice of Rukungiri and a pillar of the nation.”
The aspiring district councilor for Buyanja Sub County, Kizza Kirema, argued that Besigye was jailed for political reasons and insisted that addressing injustices affecting residents would bring long-lasting solutions.
In response, Deputy Resident District Commissioner (D/RDC) Wilberforce Ahimbisibwe Ongom urged residents to attend the President’s visit peacefully, stressing that the day was not meant for protests.
"Peaceful demonstrations have established procedures that must be followed. Anyone attempting to disrupt the event will be handled by security accordingly," he said.
President Museveni is expected in Rukungiri District tomorrow, concluding his Kigezi sub-region campaigns.
