Deputy Speaker Tayebwa Orders Inquiry into Dr. Besigye’s Prison Conditions

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has directed the Committee on Human Rights to investigate the detention conditions of Dr. Kizza Besigye, currently held at Luzira Maximum Security Prison. Dr. Besigye, a prominent opposition figure, is facing charges of allegedly soliciting foreign military support to destabilize Uganda’s national security.

This directive, issued during a plenary session on Thursday, 23 January 2025, follows concerns raised by Members of Parliament regarding alleged human rights violations against Dr. Besigye and other inmates at the facility. Lawmakers have called for immediate attention to the matter, citing reports of poor treatment.

The Committee on Human Rights is set to visit Luzira Prison on Friday, 24 January 2025, with a mandate to assess the situation and report back to Parliament by Tuesday, 28 January 2025. The findings are expected to inform subsequent discussions on the state of human rights and the conditions of detention at the prison.

Hon. Francis Mwijukye (FDC, Buhweju County) expressed frustration over Parliament’s perceived lack of action. “We cannot continue debating as though we are unaware of the human rights violations happening in our prisons. Images of Dr. Besigye looking frail and sickly are circulating widely. Parliament must take a decisive stand,” he said.

Hon. Asuman Basalirwa (JEMA, Bugiri Municipality) described Dr. Besigye’s reported treatment as unprecedented. “Luzira Prison has never subjected visitors and inmates to such conditions. This treatment is unprecedented and requires urgent clarification,” Basalirwa noted. He warned that any further deterioration in Dr. Besigye’s health would place the responsibility squarely on Parliament for failing to act promptly.

Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, called on the government to ensure the well-being of all detainees, referencing the tragic case of the late Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya. “Are we waiting to pay tribute to Dr. Kizza Besigye, as we did for Ssegirinya? Let us not fail another Ugandan,” Ssenyonyi urged.

Hon. Ibrahim Ssemujju (FDC, Kira Municipality) criticized members of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) for dismissing opposition concerns about human rights abuses. “This is not merely an opposition issue. Even leaders within the NRM, including former Vice-President Gilbert Bukenya and Minister Jim Muhwezi, have experienced imprisonment. Human rights violations are a concern for all,” he emphasized.