Opposition activist Nasasira Barnabas Kifefe has raised fresh concerns over the health and welfare of detained Ugandan opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye after he was moved from the Luzira Prison Staff Clinic to a prison cell.
Nasasira said he was deeply disturbed by the decision, arguing that Besigye’s reported condition required continued medical attention and access to his family and personal doctor.
“There is something that has been bothering me since late yesterday evening. I was deeply disturbed after getting the information that our TRUTHFUL Leader, President Kizza Besigye, was moved from the Luzira Prison Staff Clinic to a Luzira Prison cell,” Nasasira said.
He described Besigye as a frail 70-year-old man who, according to information available to him, was experiencing severe difficulties with basic functions.
“This is a 70-year-old man who, by all accounts, is so frail that he cannot speak, write, or feed himself,” he said.
Nasasira further claimed that Besigye had been receiving assistance from relatives and his personal physician while at the prison clinic.
“At the Staff Clinic, at least, his other family members and personal doctor, who happens to be a sister, Dr Olive Kobusingye, have been able to access and care for him. They were thrown out,” he said.
His remarks come amid growing controversy over Besigye’s health following his collapse during court proceedings and subsequent treatment at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
Besigye was later returned to Luzira Prison, where concerns have been raised by his wife, Winnie Byanyima, and other opposition figures over his continued detention while reportedly in poor health.
Nasasira also accused authorities of pursuing court proceedings against Besigye despite his reported inability to participate normally. He alleged that efforts were underway to proceed with the case in Besigye’s absence and use artificial intelligence-generated videos in court.
“Now, those hell-bent on trying him in absentia and presenting AI-generated videos today in court, have dumped this frail man in a prison cell,” he said.
The activist ended his statement with an emotional appeal, saying he remained hopeful about Besigye’s survival despite the circumstances surrounding his detention.
“Uganda, sometimes I am speechless and emotional. But I believe the God whom our TRUTHFUL Leader serves will see him through,” Nasasira said.
Besigye’s health has become a central concern surrounding his ongoing court proceedings.
However, the allegations made by Nasasira regarding the circumstances of his detention and the use of AI-generated videos have not been independently verified.