Human Rights Committee Mps Visit Luzira to Assess Dr. Besigye’s Welfare
I have consulted with the chairperson of the Committee on Human Rights. Let the committee visit Dr. Besigye tomorrow and prepare a report to be presented on Tuesday, so that during the debate on the government’s statement, we can also discuss the committee’s findings
The Parliamentary Human Rights Committee, led by Fox Odoi, has visited Luzira Maximum Security Prison to engage with Dr. Kiiza Besigye regarding concerns about his welfare and treatment in detention.
This visit follows a directive by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa after several Members of Parliament raised alarms over Dr. Besigye's safety and general conditions in prison.
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“I have consulted with the chairperson of the Committee on Human Rights. Let the committee visit Dr. Besigye tomorrow and prepare a report to be presented on Tuesday, so that during the debate on the government’s statement, we can also discuss the committee’s findings,” Tayebwa stated.
The proposal to dispatch the committee was specifically put forward by Bugiri Municipality legislator Asuman Basalirwa, who remarked that Parliament would have “discharged its obligations” by taking such action.
However, Tayebwa cautioned against expanding the committee’s mandate to include tasks such as investigating Dr. Besigye’s health condition or directing the prisons to allow private doctors chosen by his family to examine him.
This request had been made by Kira Municipality Member of Parliament Ibrahim Ssemujju and Bukonjo West legislator Atkins Katusabe.
The Deputy Speaker argued that additional responsibilities could delay the committee’s report, which is scheduled for presentation and debate next Tuesday.
“Honourable colleagues, we hold positions of responsibility and power, but there are limits to our authority. My authority here stops at a certain point. I cannot order that doctors recommended by the family be allowed to see him,” Tayebwa cautioned.
Dr. Besigye, a critic of the government, has been held at Luzira Prison since late last year. His detention followed his arrest in Kenya and subsequent remand by the General Court Martial on allegations of possessing two pistols and soliciting foreign aid to destabilise Uganda’s national security.
The Human Rights Committee is expected to compile and present a report to Parliament next week. This report will be critical in shaping discussions around Dr. Besigye’s human rights and detention conditions. There have been voices that Dr. Besigye has refused to eat prison-provided food due to concerns about its safety.
The members of parliament were accompanied by the Elias Lukwago who happens to be the counsel to Dr. Besigye.
"I was officially invited by the chairperson of committee Fox Odoi to be part of the team and they know they can't proceed with the interview in the absence of his lawyer," said Lukwago.
Tensions around Dr. Besigye’s welfare escalated recently when members of the opposition People’s Freedom Forum (PFF), an organisation linked to the detainee, were blocked from delivering food to him.
Uganda Prisons Service defended the decision, stating that the facility adequately caters to all inmates, including Dr. Besigye.
