It was a tense morning in Kampala as news spread that Dr. Kizza Besigye, the veteran opposition leader, had collapsed in Luzira Upper Prison.
The revelation came through Bobi Wine, who, alongside his team, had attempted to visit Besigye but was denied access due to his frail condition.
The gravity of the situation shook the opposition and their supporters, raising urgent questions about his wellbeing and the state’s continued repression of political dissent.
Besigye, known for his resilience and unwavering stance against authoritarian rule, had been on a hunger strike to protest his illegal detention.
He demanded his freedom, asserting that if the state had a legitimate case against him, he should be tried in a civilian court rather than being held indefinitely.
According to a message from Hajj Obed Lutale Kamulegeya, Besigye is in a critical state.
Weak and unable to sustain himself, he had collapsed in the morning, a dire indication of his deteriorating health.
The news sparked immediate concern across opposition circles and civil society organizations.
Social media platforms are flooded with messages of solidarity, urging immediate intervention to save Besigye’s life.
Hashtags like #FreeBesigye are trending as citizens voiced their frustration over the state’s continuous crackdown on dissenting voices.
Later in the day, Bobi Wine and other opposition leaders said they would convene an emergency meeting with members of various political movements and organizations committed to democratic change.
