Africa-Press – Uganda. Opposition leaders under the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) have called on the government, the judiciary and the Uganda Prisons Service to explain the circumstances surrounding the reported collapse of opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye during court proceedings on Wednesday.
Addressing journalists in Kampala, the opposition leaders alleged that Dr. Besigye collapsed after protesting the continuation of court proceedings. They claimed prison officers restrained him before he lost consciousness and that they were prevented from offering him medical assistance despite some of them being qualified medical doctors.
The opposition further alleged that Dr. Besigye was initially taken to Mbuya Military Hospital before being transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
They questioned why his family and colleagues were allegedly not informed about his whereabouts and demanded immediate access to him.
People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) Deputy President Lulume Bayiga said the circumstances surrounding Dr. Besigye’s condition raise serious concerns that require urgent clarification.
“We demand that the government, the judiciary and the Uganda Prisons Service explain what happened to Dr. Kizza Besigye. The public deserves to know his medical condition and why those close to him were allegedly denied access to him,” Bayiga said.
Bayiga also criticised the handling of the court session, alleging that constitutional concerns raised by Dr. Besigye were ignored and that media coverage and public access to the courtroom were restricted.
“The Chief Justice should intervene to ensure transparency in this matter. The judicial process must be conducted fairly, openly and in accordance with the Constitution, while the Uganda Prisons Service should provide an official update on Dr. Besigye’s health,” he said.
The opposition leaders called on the Chief Justice to address concerns over the conduct of the proceedings and urged the Uganda Prisons Service to issue an official statement regarding Dr. Besigye’s reported transfer for treatment.
They also demanded clarity on his current condition and called for access to him by his family, lawyers and colleagues.
By the time of publication, there had been no official response from the judiciary, Uganda Prisons Service or government regarding the allegations raised by the opposition leaders.
