The Government of Uganda has denied claims that jailed opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye is critically ill, dismissing concerns raised by his wife, Winnie Byanyima, over his health while in custody.
ICT and National Guidance Minister Chris Baryomunsi, speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, January 27, said Besigye was not seriously sick and had only suffered a mild bout of diarrhoea. According to the minister, the condition was promptly treated by Besigye’s personal doctor and did not pose any serious health risk.
“Dr Besigye was treated by his personal doctor and is continuing with his normal life in prison. Claims that he is seriously ill and unable to access his doctor are not true,” Baryomunsi said, rejecting assertions made by Byanyima.
However, hours later, Byanyima hit back at the government’s remarks, accusing officials of deliberately misleading the public. In a social media statement, she said the minister’s claims were inaccurate and aimed at creating confusion around her husband’s health and family status.
She also dismissed allegations that she is not listed as Besigye’s next of kin, terming them a crude attempt to divide the family of President Yoweri Museveni’s former personal physician.
“I am officially registered at Luzira Prison as the next of kin of Dr Kizza Besigye, alongside his sisters. I challenge the Uganda Prison Service to publicly deny this fact,” Byanyima said.
She added that Besigye’s sisters are duly recognised carers allowed to deliver food and personal items, insisting there was no dispute within the family.
In his briefing, Baryomunsi maintained that Besigye had personally submitted a list of next of kin that did not include his wife. He nonetheless said the government would continue working with Besigye’s doctors and family to ensure his wellbeing as his trial proceeds.
Besigye’s continued detention has drawn mounting pressure on President Museveni’s government, with renewed calls for his release intensifying amid concerns over his health.