Dr. Kizza Besigye Rushed to Hospital from Luzira Prison in Critical Condition

Fresh concern has mounted over the health of veteran Ugandan opposition leader and retired Colonel Dr. Kizza Besigye after reports emerged that he was urgently transferred from Luzira Prison to a medical facility overnight.

The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) announced early Tuesday morning, January 21, 2026, that Besigye’s condition had deteriorated sharply, prompting his transfer under heavy security to a hospital at Bugolobi Village Mall in Kampala.

In an official statement posted online, the party described his health as having reached a “critical” stage and made an urgent appeal to the government:

“We have received credible reports that Dr. Besigye was rushed in the night from Luzira Prison to a medical facility at Bugolobi Village Mall under heavy security,” the message read in part.

“It is a tragedy that a man who has dedicated his life to the health and freedom of others is being denied his own right to medical dignity. We hold the regime and the prison authorities fully accountable for his well-being.”

The PFF demanded immediate and unrestricted access for Besigye’s personal doctors and family members, stressing that any delay could endanger his life.

As of January 21, 2026, the Uganda Prisons Service had not issued any official statement confirming or denying the transfer, the medical facility involved, or the nature of Besigye’s condition.

The development has triggered widespread calls for transparency and humane treatment from opposition supporters, civil society groups, and international observers. Many have taken to social media to express alarm and demand regular health updates.

Dr. Besigye, a longtime critic of the ruling government and four-time presidential candidate, has been detained in Luzira Prison since late 2025 on charges related to alleged treason and incitement. His incarceration has drawn criticism from human rights organizations over conditions of detention and access to medical care.

The PFF concluded its statement with an appeal for prayers and continued public vigilance regarding Besigye’s safety and well-being.

Further updates are expected as more details emerge from family, legal representatives, or official sources.