PFF to Defy Restrictions on Supporting Besigye at Luzira Prison

According to the group, the prison has limited the types of foodstuffs they can deliver to items unavailable at the prison canteen, forcing Besigye to rely on purchases from the facility—a move they strongly oppose.

The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has pledged to defy restrictions imposed by Luzira Prison authorities and continue their unwavering support for Dr Kizza Besigye and his colleague Obeid Lutale.

The group insists on visiting the two detainees as they always have, delivering foodstuffs and other supplies despite the new limitations.

Addressing the media at their Kampala offices, PFF members accused prison authorities of imposing unnecessary restrictions on their visits.

According to the group, the prison has limited the types of foodstuffs they can deliver to items unavailable at the prison canteen, forcing Besigye to rely on purchases from the facility—a move they strongly oppose.

Erias Lukwago, PFF president, expressed outrage over what he described as inhumane treatment.

“We are deeply concerned about the unfair restrictions imposed on Dr Besigye, including denying him access to the prison chapel and forcing him to depend on the canteen for meals. This is unacceptable,” Lukwago stated.

The group has vowed to continue delivering supplies to Besigye, emphasizing their commitment to stand by him during his imprisonment.

Prisons Respond to Allegations

However, Frank Baine, the Uganda Prisons Service spokesperson, has dismissed the allegations as baseless rumors intended to mislead the public.

Mr Baine assured the public that Luzira Prison operates within the confines of the law and upholds the rights of all inmates, including Besigye.

“These claims are unfounded. The prison ensures that the rights of all inmates are respected, and Dr. Besigye is no exception,” he said.

Mr Baine clarified that while the law mandates the prison to provide meals for inmates, external food deliveries are at the discretion of the officer in charge, who must ensure that such deliveries do not pose safety risks.

Baine further pointed out that Besigye has been detained at Luzira on previous occasions and has always been treated like any other inmate.

“Dr. Besigye is not the first person to be detained at Luzira. During his previous imprisonments, he was treated fairly, as per prison regulations,” Baine remarked.

The dispute between PFF and the prison authorities has heightened tensions, with the group accusing the government of targeting Besigye unfairly.

Meanwhile, prison officials maintain that they are operating lawfully and treating all inmates equally.

As PFF continues to rally behind Besigye, the controversy has drawn public attention, sparking debate over the treatment of high-profile detainees in Uganda’s prisons.