Former Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura has shared details of her Tuesday visit to veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye at Luzira Prison, describing a mix of political reflection, humour, and messages of continued mobilisation within the opposition.
In a narration of the visit, Nyanjura said she also checked on other detainees, including Hajji Obeid Kamulegeya and comrade Samuel Makokha, before meeting Dr. Besigye, who she described as being in good spirits despite his incarceration.
According to her account, Besigye expressed appreciation after learning that various political figures had recently gathered at Katonga to mark his 70th birthday celebrations.
She noted that the former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leader appeared encouraged by the show of solidarity, even as he remains in detention.
Nyanjura further stated that Besigye reiterated his longstanding political message, stressing the importance of unity within the opposition.
She said he reminded them that before his detention, he had been actively pushing for coordination and cooperation among opposition forces, urging them to continue with mobilisation and organisation efforts.
“He encouraged us to keep mobilising and organising,” she said, quoting his remarks during the visit.
The former deputy mayor also shared what she described as light-hearted exchanges during the meeting.
She said she updated Besigye on public reactions to lawyer Fredrick Mpanga’s recent court appearance, noting that the veteran politician expressed satisfaction with the legal team representing him.
“He said he is also proud of counsel Mpanga and his entire legal team,” Nyanjura recounted.
She also mentioned discussing the Sovereignty Bill, saying she briefed him on ongoing developments surrounding the matter.
The conversation, she added, occasionally shifted into humour, including references to former attorney Yusuf Nsibambi, which she said prompted laughter among those present.
“We all burst out laughing loudly when I talked about his former attorney, Yusuf Nsibambi,” she said.
Nyanjura further revealed that Besigye asked about her planned exit from office.
She informed him that her tenure ends on May 11, adding that she jokingly told him about challenges with official property, including a vehicle that had been taken for repair and not returned.
“I told him I will, anyway, hand over the fuel card,” she said, noting that the remark prompted more laughter from the opposition leader.
Besigye’s continued detention has remained a focal point of political debate in Uganda, with opposition figures frequently calling for his release and raising concerns over political freedoms.
His supporters, including Nyanjura, continue to visit him and report on his condition and engagements from prison.
The visit at Luzira, as described by Nyanjura, highlights both the personal bonds within opposition ranks and the ongoing political conversations shaping their activities ahead of future political engagements.