Dr. Kizza Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and former leader of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party, is refusing to take his Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) while in Luzira Maximum Security Prison. He is protesting his arrest and detention.
Dr. Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, who is also the Executive Director of UNAIDS, spoke to reporters at the General Court Martial in Makindye on Monday, December 2, 2024. She said that Dr. Besigye has not taken his medication since November 16, the day he was arrested in Nairobi, Kenya.
Byanyima explained that Dr. Besigye is worried about the prison authorities and does not trust them to provide his medication safely.
“My husband has not accessed his medication since November 16th when he was abducted. Because of the mistrust in the regime machinery, we resolved that he boycott medication offered by the prison’s authorities,” she said.
She called on the government to drop what she described as “trumped-up charges” against her husband so that he can regain his freedom and continue his treatment.
However, prison authorities have disclosed that the veteran politician has deliberately refused to take his medication, allegedly aiming to worsen his medical condition intentionally. This strategy is believed to be an attempt to garner public sympathy, seek approval for medical treatment outside prison, and provide his legal team with grounds to file for a bail application.
Dr. Besigye and his co-accused, Obeid Lutale, were arrested while meeting with foreign allies at the Riverside Hotel in Nairobi. They face serious charges related to national security and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, which are reserved for the Defense Forces.
