Ugandan Opposition Leader Besigye Denied Food In Prison

The Uganda Prisons Service has strongly denied allegations that Col (Rtd.) Dr Kizza Besigye, the detained opposition leader, has been denied food brought from outside Luzira Murchison Bay prison.

Frank Baine, the spokesperson for Uganda Prisons, clarified that access to external food is a privilege, not a right, and is governed by specific legal conditions outlined in the Prisons Act.

These remarks follow claims by Kampala deputy mayor Doreen Nyanjura and Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, that he has chosen to starve after mistrusting food from the prison canteen and being barred from receiving provisions brought by family and allies.

Nyanjura claimed that Besigye was forced to choose between eating prison food or starving. According to her, items such as posho, rice, millet flour, and other provisions brought by Besigye’s family and allies were rejected by prison authorities. She also alleged that Besigye, who has been vocal about his concerns, was being denied the opportunity to physically meet visitors and interact with other inmates. She described his treatment as “a prison within a prison.”

Baine denied the claims, stating, “We have 80,000 inmates, and our duty is to keep them, not to kill them. Prisoners are entitled to food as outlined in the law, and no one is denied exercise or access to basic needs.” He emphasized that all prisoners, including Dr Besigye, are treated according to Uganda’s Prisons Act and the institution’s standing orders.

FOOD POLICIES IN UGANDAN PRISONS

Baine cited Section 69 of the Prisons Act, which mandates that every prisoner be provided with food that is nutritious, wholesome, and adequate to maintain health and strength. He said the law does not require prisons to accept food brought by relatives or friends. However, under certain conditions outlined in the standing orders, unconvicted prisoners like Besigye may receive food from outside, but only if the cost is covered by the prisoner or their associates.

According to Baine, standing orders allow external food only if the prisoner gives prior notice and complies with procedures set by the officer in charge. He explained, “This is not a buyer-seller market where visitors dictate the terms. All items must meet the prescribed conditions to be allowed inside the prison.”

Baine also addressed accusations that Besigye was being denied physical exercise, stating that such claims were baseless. He noted that complaints from prisoners, if any, are handled through established procedures.

LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS SURROUNDING BESIGYE

Besigye is currently on remand at Luzira prison, facing multiple charges. Initially charged with unlawful possession of firearms, the case was recently amended to include treason. According to the prosecution, Besigye, along with Haji Obeid Lutale and Captain Denis Oola of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), allegedly held meetings in cities such as Geneva, Athens, and Nairobi between October 2023 and November 2024.

These meetings were purportedly aimed at planning attacks on military targets in Uganda and seeking logistical sup- port for destabilization.

Additionally, Besigye and Lutale were allegedly found in possession of two pistols and eight rounds of ammunition at Riverside Apartments in Nairobi—items classified as the monopoly of the Defence Forces. The prosecution contends that these activities pose a threat to Uganda’s national security.

PRISONS’ PERSPECTIVE ON THE CLAIMS

Baine dismissed allegations of mistreatment as “outrageous” and without merit. He stated that the government’s role is to enforce the law and ensure prisoners are treated within the guidelines provided by the Prisons Act.

“The idea that we are trying to kill someone in prison is ridiculous. We do not deny anyone food or basic rights, but the law outlines how these rights are managed,” Baine said.

He said that Uganda Prisons Service operates under strict legal provisions, including Section 68 of the Prisons Act, which mandates that all prisoners comply with prison discipline and regulations during their detention.

“Whether it is Dr Besigye or any other prisoner, everyone must be managed according to the law,” Baine added.

CONTEXT BEHIND BESIGYE’S DETENTION

Dr Kizza Besigye, a veteran opposition leader and former bush war soldier, has been a vocal critic of President Yoweri Museveni’s government. His detention has sparked public debate, with supporters alleging political persecution. While the government has maintained that the charges against him are based on evidence, opposition figures argue that the case is politically motivated.

Amid these tensions, Baine urged the public to allow Uganda Prisons Service to perform its duties without undue interference. “We have been managing prisons for decades. Please let us do our work,” he concluded.

PRISONS MANAGEMENT: PROFESSIONALISM OVER POLITICS

Baine emphasized that the management of prisons is governed strictly by professional guidelines, not political influence. Baine clarified that the rules and regulations under the Prisons Act, along with standing orders, are strictly followed to ensure discipline and fairness in prison operations.

“We operate according to the guidelines provided, not based on political inclinations. Management and politics are very different,” Baine stated. He added that privileges, including access to food from outside prison, are not rights but can be granted under specific conditions.

“Any privilege allowed under these standing orders may be withdrawn by the officer in charge if there is proof of abuse,” he explained. Baine further noted that the officer in charge is authorized to adjust these privileges as necessary to maintain discipline.

Baine reassured the public that Uganda’s prisons are managed according to international standards. He emphasized that all prisoners, regardless of their status or background, are treated equally under the law.

“Whether it is Retired Colonel or someone else, we look at them as prisoners. That is why every prisoner gets a prison number and is managed accordingly, and we shall continue to do that,” he said.

Addressing allegations that the government intends to harm Dr. Besigye, Baine called the claims baseless.

“This is not the first time we have received and kept him. The first time he was with us was in 2005, and he has since been with us at least three more times. He has come in and gone out, and so it will be,” Baine stated.

He urged those spreading false information to stop creating alarm and warned that visitors who distort facts may lose visitation privileges.

“If your intention to visit is to distort facts, then there is no reason for you to be permitted to visit,” he noted.