Former Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura has expressed deep concern over the health of veteran opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye, saying she longs to see him regain his strength and voice.
Nyanjura, a close associate of Besigye, shared an emotional message reflecting on a photograph of the opposition leader smiling, contrasting the image with his reported current health condition.
“Oh! How I long for this smile, how I long to see you back on your feet! How I long for you to at least regain your voice and be able to talk!” Nyanjura said.
She described the photograph as a reminder of Besigye’s resilience and warmth, qualities she said he maintained despite years of political pressure and restrictions.
Nyanjura said it was painful to compare the vibrant image with Besigye’s current state of health, expressing particular concern about his reported inability to speak normally.
“Looking at this photo reminds me of the unyielding spirit and warmth Dr. Kizza Besigye always carried, even under heavy guard,” she said.
Her remarks come amid continued concern among Besigye’s supporters and political associates over his wellbeing.
The former presidential candidate has spent years at the centre of Uganda’s opposition politics and has repeatedly faced arrests, detention and restrictions linked to his political activities.
Nyanjura also questioned the circumstances surrounding Besigye’s medical care, referring to an “isolated, hidden, heavily guarded non-gazetted clinic.”
“A man who spent decades speaking out for others shouldn't have to fight to regain his own voice from an isolated, hidden, heavily guarded non-gazetted clinic,” she said.
Her comments underscore the growing anxiety among Besigye’s allies, who continue to monitor his condition and call for greater transparency regarding his treatment.
Despite her concerns, Nyanjura ended her message on a hopeful note, saying she remained optimistic that the opposition veteran would recover the strength and vitality reflected in the photograph.
“Dear KB, I keep holding onto the hope that this smile and strength will return,” she said.
Besigye has remained a prominent figure in Uganda’s political landscape for decades, with his activism frequently placing him at odds with the government.
His health has therefore attracted considerable attention from supporters and political figures who continue to call for his wellbeing to be prioritised.