Ronald Amanyire, Principal Road Safety Officer at the Ministry of Works and Transport, has publicly appealed to President Yoweri Museveni to ensure that opposition stalwart Dr. Kizza Besigye receives urgent medical attention as his health reportedly deteriorates at Luzira Hospital.
In a statement shared on X, Amanyire stressed that his appeal transcends politics.
He acknowledged that while he has never supported Besigye and has consistently voted for Museveni, the longtime opposition figure remains one of Uganda’s most charismatic and influential leaders.
“I have never voted for Dr. Kizza Besigye, for reasons that are personal to me. I have consistently voted for President Museveni, also for reasons that are personal,” Amanyire wrote.
“Yet even with all that, I cannot deny what has been true since 2001: Dr. Besigye remains one of the most eloquent political figures our country has seen. His ability to move a crowd is unmatched.”
Amanyire called on the government to leverage its resources to guarantee Besigye’s safe treatment, including the possibility of care abroad.
He appealed directly to President Museveni, describing the matter as one of humanity, dignity, and respect for those who shaped Uganda’s history.
“Whatever political battles have been fought between you, one truth remains: every time Dr. Besigye challenged you at the ballot and lost, he strengthened the legitimacy of your continued leadership,” Amanyire said.
“He is, in his own right, a hero of the bush war—both figuratively and literally. This is not about politics. It is about humanity.”
Dr. Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and former Forum for Democratic Change leader, has been under medical supervision at Luzira Hospital amid concerns about his declining health.
Amanyire’s appeal highlights growing calls within Uganda for the government to prioritize the welfare of political figures, irrespective of affiliation, in the interest of national unity and human dignity.
The government has yet to respond to the appeal, but public discourse around Besigye’s medical care continues to intensify, drawing attention to broader debates on political tolerance and civil rights in Uganda.