Winnie Byanyima, the wife of detained Kizza Besigye, has disclosed disturbing details about the conditions of her husband's confinement. Besigye, known for his long-standing opposition to President Yoweri Museveni, was recently detained in a military facility in Kampala following what has been described by his family as an abduction in Nairobi.
Byanyima, who visited Besigye in his cell, described the environment as oppressive and inhumane. She spoke of navigating through multiple security checkpoints, including six or seven locked doors, before reaching a small, dimly lit room where Besigye is held.
"He was lying on a small bed that took up the entire length of the room. A pile of old newspapers and two worn cardboard boxes next to his bed left enough space for only one stool to sit on," Byanyima stated, painting a grim picture of her husband's living conditions.
Besigye, who has been charged with unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, is reportedly in a frail state, having lost significant weight and suffering from dizziness due to not having eaten for five days, as claimed by his wife.
“Kizza Besigye is weak, has lost alarming weight, and is dizzy—he hasn’t eaten in five days. This is not just illegal detention; it is kidnapping. I am outraged and demand that President Museveni and his son, the army chief, release him immediately. He is a citizen with rights—just like them!” Byanyima added.
This has led to an outcry from human rights groups and Besigye's supporters, who see this as part of a broader pattern of political persecution.
This incident has reignited debates about human rights, the rule of law, and political freedom in Uganda, with calls from international bodies for an investigation into Besigye's arrest and treatment.