Uganda Law Society (ULS) President Isaac Ssemakadde has criticised Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi’s visit to opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye, raising concerns over the intent and transparency surrounding the move.
Ssemakadde’s remarks come a day after Baryomunsi stated that Besigye was “steadily recuperating” following his admission to Mulago National Referral Hospital, where he was taken after collapsing in court during treason proceedings on July 29.
In a response, Ssemakadde questioned the nature of the relationship between the minister and Besigye’s family, suggesting the visit may not have been grounded in personal concern.
“Politics aside, if Baryomunsi was a friend to Dr Besigye, Winnie Byanyima would be in the know,” he said.
He further argued that the absence of apparent communication between the minister and Besigye’s wife raised doubts about the motive behind the visit.
According to Ssemakadde, Byanyima’s reported opposition to the visit signals a lack of prior engagement, casting the minister’s actions as political rather than humanitarian.
“The fact that Byanyima herself was against Baryomunsi’s visit probably means he has never contacted her to sympathise with Besigye’s illness. In short, they never talk,” Ssemakadde added.
The ULS president also linked the visit to broader concerns about state involvement in Besigye’s medical care, alleging that the transfer and handling of the opposition leader could have been influenced at a higher level.
He claimed the visit may have followed internal decisions regarding Besigye’s treatment, though no official confirmation has been issued on this.
“What happened to humanity in this country?” he posed, framing the situation as a reflection of growing mistrust between state officials and opposition figures.
Baryomunsi, however, maintained that his visit was in his capacity as Health Minister, commending medical staff at Mulago and expressing optimism about Besigye’s recovery.
Besigye, a longtime government critic, remains under medical supervision, with limited public details about his condition.
His health has become a focal point in Uganda’s political discourse, as questions persist over access, care, and the handling of his case.