Members of the Human Rights Committee in Parliament made a visit today to Luzira Maximum Security Prison to assess the conditions faced by political activist, Col (Rtd) Dr. Kiiza Besigye, who also happens to be the founder of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) Katonga political group.
The visit came in response to claims made by Besigye’s lawyer and Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago, who alleged that Besigye was being denied food and the opportunity to interact with other inmates.
The delegation, led by committee chairperson Fox Odoi, acted on the directive of Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, following concerns raised by several Members of Parliament regarding Besigye’s safety and overall conditions in custody.
The request for this visit was initiated by Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju and Bukonjo West MP Atkins Katusabe.
Notably, the team was joined by Lukwago, who initially faced entry denial to the prison but was eventually permitted access after discussions with prison officials by the committee chairperson.
Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate against his former boss, President Yoweri Museveni, was remanded to Luzira Prison by the Military General Court Martial in 2024.
His detention stemmed from his arrest in Kisumu, Kenya, on charges of possessing of two pistols and allegedly seeking foreign assistance to undermine Uganda’s national security.
The Human Rights Committee is set to assess his situation and will compile a report to present to Parliament.
