The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has tasked the Committee on Human Rights to investigate the detention conditions of Dr Kizza Besigye.
Besigye, a prominent opposition politician is currently being held at Luzira Maximum Security Prison on charges of allegedly soliciting military support overseas to destabilise Uganda’s national security.
Tayebwa’s directive follows concerns raised by legislators during a plenary session on Thursday, 23 January 2025, over alleged human rights violations against Besigye and other inmates at Luzira prison.
The committee is now scheduled to visit the facility on Friday, 24 January 2025 and report their findings to Parliament by Tuesday, 28 January 2025. The report is expected to provide a basis for further debate on the alleged human rights violations and Besigye’s detention conditions.
Hon. Francis Mwijukye (FDC, Buhweju County) expressed frustration, highlighting Parliament’s repeated inaction on the matter. “We cannot continue debating as though we are unaware of the human rights violations happening in our prisons. Images of Dr Besigye looking frail and sickly are everywhere in the media. Parliament must take a decisive stand,” he said.
Similarly, Hon. Asuman Basalirwa (JEMA, Bugiri Municipality) described Besigye’s detention in cages as unprecedented and called for clarity on whether there has been a policy shift in handling prisoners. “Luzira Prison has never treated visitors and inmates in such a manner. This is alien,” he said.
Basalirwa warned that if Besigye’s health deteriorates further, Parliament would bear responsibility for its inaction.
The Leader of the Opposition Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, urged government to take responsibility for the welfare of all detainees, citing past failures such as the late Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya’s case.
“Are we waiting to pay tribute to Dr Kizza Besigye, as we did for Ssegirinya? Let us not fail another Ugandan,” Ssenyonyi warned.
Hon. Ibrahim Ssemujju (FDC, Kira Municipality) criticised members of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) for dismissing opposition concerns about human rights.
“This is not just about Dr Besigye being in opposition. Many NRM leaders, including former Vice-President Gilbert Bukenya and Minister Jim Muhwezi, have been in prison. Human rights violations affect everyone,” he argued.
Hon. Wilfred Niwagaba (Indep., Ndorwa County East) reminded Parliament that even laws like the Public Order Management Act, initially aimed at opposition members, had impacted their architects within the ruling party.
Discussion about this post