Opposition Leaders Give Government 48-Hour Ultimatum to Release Dr. Kizza Besigye for Medical Treatment

A coalition of opposition leaders has issued a stern 48-hour ultimatum to the Ugandan government, demanding the immediate release of former presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye to receive urgent medical care. The leaders warned that failure to comply would trigger nationwide protests against what they describe as an ongoing crackdown on political dissent.

Speaking at a press briefing in Kampala, opposition figures from various parties expressed grave concern over Besigye’s deteriorating health while in detention at Luzira Maximum Security Prison. The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) founding leader has reportedly been unwell for weeks, with authorities denying him proper medical attention.

“We are giving the government 48 hours to release Dr. Besigye unconditionally so he can receive the urgent medical treatment he desperately needs,” National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, declared. “Should they fail to act, we will not hesitate to mobilize the masses to demand justice in the streets.”

Democratic Party (DP) President Norbert Mao echoed the call, arguing that the continued detention of Besigye in his current condition amounted to a violation of fundamental human rights.

“Uganda is not a lawless state where people are left to die in prison for political reasons. If the authorities have a case against him, let them follow due process. Right now, he needs medical attention, and denying him that is nothing short of inhumane,” Mao stated.

Former Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga and Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura also voiced their frustration, emphasizing that Besigye’s prolonged detention was politically motivated and intended to suppress opposition movements ahead of the 2026 general elections.

“This government fears Besigye even when he is sick. They want to keep him in prison to weaken the opposition, but we will not stand by and watch,” Nyanjura said.

Government’s Silence Sparks Outrage

Despite the growing pressure, the Ugandan government has yet to respond to the demands for Besigye’s release. Authorities have previously justified his detention on charges related to national security, but opposition leaders argue that these are trumped-up accusations aimed at silencing one of President Yoweri Museveni’s fiercest critics.

Besigye, a four-time presidential contender and long-time opponent of Museveni, was arrested alongside Hajji Obeid Lutale in Nairobi last November. The duo faces charges of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, allegations widely dismissed as politically motivated.

Growing Public Support for Besigye’s Release

The call for Besigye’s release has gained traction among civil society organizations, human rights activists, and religious leaders. Earlier this week, the Catholic Church dedicated prayers for Besigye and other political prisoners during its 146th-anniversary Mass, urging the government to act with compassion.

Meanwhile, FDC supporters in Bushenyi and other parts of Uganda have already taken to the streets in protest, chanting #FreeDrKizzaBesigye and calling for his immediate release.

As the opposition’s 48-hour deadline approaches, tensions are rising, with the country bracing for potential mass protests. It remains unclear whether the government will concede to the demands or double down on its crackdown against opposition leaders.