The Minister for Information, Dr Chris Baryomunsi, has come under criticism for visitint opposition leader Kiiza Besigye at Luzira Prison.
Speaking to the press after the visit, Baryomunsi stated, "I have given him counsel and asked him to resume taking food as the government fast-tracks the transfer of his case from the court martial to a civil court."
However, Besigye's wife, Winnie Byanyima, swiftly responded to Baryomunsi's remarks, calling the visit an affront to her husband's dignity and rights.
"Mr. Baryomunsi, your actions are an insult and an abuse of my husband's rights," Byanyima wrote in a scathing social media post.
"Kizza Besigye was abducted and is being held captive by your government. As an NRM minister, you are not a concerned visitor--you are his captor."
Byanyima continued, expressing concern over Baryomunsi's presence at the prison. "Our family finds your visit highly suspicious, and we will hold you and your government fully accountable for any harm that comes to him.
Kizza Besigye demands his freedom, not your deceitful 'counsel,' which he rightfully treats with contempt. Shame on you!"
Support from opposition leader Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, followed soon after. In a passionate statement, Kyagulanyi condemned the ongoing treatment of Dr. Besigye, likening it to a wider attack on the rights of Ugandans.
"The present trials and tribulations of Dr. Besigye must not be seen as an attack on him alone but an attack on all of us. He is being detained illegally. He is being persecuted. He is sick. He needs urgent medical attention," Kyagulanyi said.
Kyagulanyi urged Ugandans to unite against the alleged oppressive regime.
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"This is not a time to politic. It is a time to unite and face the monster--Gen. Museveni and his brutal son. They clearly want to kill Dr. Besigye, as they have killed many in the past. Dictators throughout history believe in testing the ground. They kill one today, another tomorrow, and when they realize they can get away with it, they massacre entire populations."
The remarks from Baryomunsi were also met with criticism from General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of President Yoweri Museveni, who recently made headlines with controversial statements regarding Besigye's fate.
"Be assured if I do decide to hang Besigye, I will do it in broad daylight. There is no shame in executing a traitor!" Kainerugaba declared, raising concerns over escalating threats against political opponents.
Besigye, a long-time critic of the current government, has faced numerous arrests and detention over the years. His ongoing imprisonment has sparked widespread outcry both domestically and internationally, with calls for his immediate release and improved medical care amidst his declining health.
As pressure mounts from the opposition and civil society groups, the fate of Dr. Kiiza Besigye remains uncertain, with many questioning the government's motives and actions.
