Enough Is Enough!! Top Ugandan Minister Demands For The Immediate Release Of Dr Kizza Besigye

The detention of Dr. Kizza Besigye has sparked serious concerns about his safety while being held in Luzira Prison. A recent incident, discovered during a visit by Members of Parliament (MPs), has intensified these worries. The MPs found that the lock on Besigye’s prison cell door had been tampered with, raising fears that his security in custody may be compromised.

Besigye, a longtime critic of President Yoweri Museveni, has been imprisoned since his return from Kenya in November 2024 under charges of illegal possession of firearms and treachery. While these accusations have kept him in custody, the recent security breach has heightened concerns about his well-being.

According to Aggrey Aturwanirire, the Commissioner for Planning at Uganda Prisons, the tampering incident happened during a routine change of guards. Prison staff noticed that one of the padlocks on Besigye’s inner cell door had not been properly secured. Once identified, the duty officer was informed, and the lock was immediately fixed to restore security. Aturwanirire assured the MPs that both the inner and outer doors had since been properly secured, and additional guards had been deployed to ensure Besigye’s protection.

Despite these reassurances, the situation has renewed calls for Besigye’s release. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister of Information, Communications Technology, and National Guidance, has openly advocated for Besigye’s right to apply for bail. Speaking at a press conference in Kampala, Baryomunsi emphasized that there was no valid reason to keep Besigye in detention. He further stated that while the final decision rests with the judges, Besigye should be allowed the same legal rights as any other Ugandan.

Besigye’s repeated detentions have long been seen as politically motivated, with many Ugandans believing that his imprisonment is part of a broader attempt to silence opposition voices. The recent security incident, combined with Minister Baryomunsi’s remarks, has brought renewed attention to the state of political freedom and fairness in Uganda’s legal system.

As concerns grow over his detention, Besigye’s supporters now await a decision on whether he will be granted the chance to apply for bail or if the government will continue to hold him without just cause.