A fresh war of words has erupted between the government and the family of detained opposition veteran Dr Kizza Besigye after Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi dismissed reports that the four-time presidential candidate is seriously ill while in custody at Luzira Prison.
Minister Baryomunsi, who is also the government spokesperson, described claims of Besigye’s deteriorating health as false, saying the opposition leader only suffered a minor bout of diarrhea that was treated by his personal doctor.
“Dr Besigye just had a slight diarrhea, which was attended to by his doctor, and he is now in good health,” Baryomunsi said in recent remarks. “There is no cause for alarm. He is fine and able to remain in prison.”
The comments sparked an immediate and fierce response from Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, who accused the minister of deliberately spreading falsehoods to downplay what she described as political persecution.
“End this rubbish talk and focus elsewhere,” Byanyima said in a post on X. “I am officially registered at Luzira Prison as Dr Kizza Besigye’s next of kin. His other family members are duly listed to bring him food and care for his needs. Minister Baryomunsi is peddling lies to distract from the NRM’s persecution of Dr Kizza Besigye.”
Byanyima, the Executive Director of UNAIDS, went further, calling the minister a “shameful liar” and challenging prison authorities to contradict her claims.
“Minister Baryomunsi is a shameful liar, casually misrepresenting a prisoner who cannot speak for himself,” she said. “I challenge the Uganda Prison Service to publicly deny that I am officially registered as Dr Besigye’s next of kin. His sisters are duly listed as carers permitted to bring food and personal items.”
She accused the government of attempting to sow confusion within Besigye’s family and trivialising a serious situation. “This crude attempt to divide our family and manufacture confusion is despicable, dishonest, and beneath public office,” Byanyima added.
Baryomunsi has consistently rejected accusations that Besigye is being mistreated or denied medical care, insisting that the opposition figure is receiving appropriate attention while in custody and that his case is being handled through lawful judicial processes.
The minister’s latest remarks have also drawn criticism from opposition figures and the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), the political grouping associated with Besigye, who accuse the government of breaching medical ethics and downplaying potentially serious health concerns.
Dr Besigye has been detained at Luzira Prison as he faces trial on charges the government describes as criminal in nature, including alleged offences related to illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. Authorities maintain that the case is not political and that his continued detention is a matter for the courts.
However, the opposition and Besigye’s family continue to insist that his arrest and incarceration are politically motivated, renewing calls for his release as tensions over his health and detention remain high.
