The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) says opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye is being subjected to inhumane conditions at Luzira Prison, claiming a persistent bedbug infestation is part of a calculated attempt to weaken his health and morale.
PFF spokesperson Ibrahim Ssemujju told reporters on Monday that Besigye has endured sleepless nights due to the infestation, which they believe is not coincidental.
“This is an indirect way of killing him and torturing him psychologically,” Ssemujju said.
“We saw Besigye’s younger brother go through the same when he was imprisoned. After release, he passed on. Now Besigye is becoming weaker every day.”
Ssemujju further claimed that although the prison authorities sprayed the dormitories, the fumigation was ineffective.
“It seemed like a show for accountability. We don’t believe real pesticide was used,” he said.
Besigye, who was arrested in Nairobi, has now spent 201 days in custody, including 190 days at Luzira.
His supporters argue this prolonged detention contravenes Uganda’s Human Rights (Enforcement) Act.
“We call on President Museveni to return to the constitutional path before the country explodes in his face,” Ssemujju warned.
“If you don’t behave, what happened to your friends Gaddafi and Bashir will happen to you.”
This news is being updated with comments from prisons authorities
