Opposition leaders have issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the government, demanding the immediate release of all political prisoners, including Dr. Kizza Besigye, whose health is reportedly deteriorating in Luzira Prison.
The demand follows a failed attempt by opposition figures to visit Besigye, raising further concerns about his well-being. Key political leaders, including National Unity Platform President Robert Kyagulanyi, Alliance for National Transformation founding leader Rt. Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu, Uganda People’s Congress President Jimmy Akena, and People’s Front for Freedom leader Erias Lukwago, met at the NUP headquarters in Kavule to deliberate on their next course of action.
During the meeting, the opposition leaders condemned what they called the government’s continued persecution of political opponents. They warned that failure to release Besigye and other detainees within the given timeframe would lead to heightened action.
“We are united in solidarity with Dr. Kizza Besigye and other political prisoners who continue to be held illegally despite the Supreme Court’s pronouncement. We are giving the regime 48 hours to release them, or we shall announce further measures,” Kyagulanyi stated.
Earlier in the day, Kyagulanyi led a team to Luzira Prison in an attempt to check on Besigye but was informed that he was too weak to leave his bed and could not meet them. The delegation left without seeing him, deepening fears over his health.
“It is deeply concerning that Besigye is in such a state and yet remains detained. We fear for his health and urge all Ugandans to take this matter seriously rather than leaving it solely to politicians,” former Leader of Opposition Winnie Kiiza said.
Her concerns were echoed by Alice Alaso, Secretary General of ANT, who warned that the opposition was prepared to take drastic measures if their demands were ignored.
