Dr. Kizza Besigye is a Ugandan physician, politician, and former military officer who has been a prominent figure in Uganda’s politics for over three decades. Born on April 22, 1956, in Rukungiri, southwestern Uganda, Besigye is currently 68 years old.
Family background
Besigye’s family background is marked by tragedy, with both his parents passing away before he completed primary school. He went on to attend Kitante High School and Kigezi High School for his Ordinary and Advanced Levels, respectively. He later enrolled at Makerere University, graduating with a degree in human medicine in 1980.
Dr. Kizza Besigye’s relationship with Museveni
Besigye’s relationship with President Yoweri Museveni is complex and has been marked by periods of cooperation and conflict. The two were allies during the Ugandan Bush War, with Besigye serving as Museveni’s personal physician. However, their relationship soured in the late 1990s, with Besigye becoming an outspoken critic of Museveni’s government.
Notable times Besigye has been arrested
Besigye has been arrested numerous times for his political activities, including during the “Walk to Work” protests in 2011. The protests, which were sparked by rising food and fuel prices, saw Besigye and other opposition leaders arrested and charged with inciting violence.
Some of the notable instances of Besigye’s arrests include:
- 2001: Besigye was arrested and charged with treason after he ran against Museveni in the presidential election.
- 2005: Besigye was arrested and charged with rape, a charge that was widely seen as politically motivated.
- 2011: Besigye was arrested four times during the “Walk to Work” protests, which saw widespread violence and arrests.
- 2012: Besigye was arrested after attempting to address a rally in Kampala.
- 2022: Besigye was arrested during a protest over rising commodity prices in Uganda.
- Dr. Kizza Besigye was arrested in 2024 for allegedly undermining Uganda’s security. Specifically, he was accused of possessing firearms in Nairobi, Kenya, and holding meetings in Kenya, Greece, and Switzerland with the intent of destabilizing Uganda.Besigye, along with Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, was forcibly returned to Uganda and is currently on remand in Luzira Prison, facing charges in the Army General Court Martial. The Ugandan government’s actions have raised concerns about the country’s adherence to international law, particularly with regards to extradition and due process.
Despite the many challenges he has faced, Besigye remains a prominent figure in Ugandan politics. He has continued to advocate for democratic reforms and human rights, and has been a vocal critic of Museveni’s government.
In recent years, Besigye has launched the “People’s Front for Transition,” a movement aimed at promoting democratic change in Uganda. He has also allied himself with other opposition leaders, including Bobi Wine, in an effort to challenge Museveni’s rule.
Many Ugandans now refer to him as Museveni’s strongest opponent and see his recent arrest as a big political move.
Besigye’s health concerns
Dr. Kizza Besigye’s health has been a growing concern in recent times. The 68-year-old opposition leader has been experiencing deteriorating health, which has been exacerbated by his frequent arrests and detention.
Besigye suffers from chronic back pain, high blood pressure, and other age-related ailments. His family and supporters have reported that his health has worsened significantly since his arrest in December 2024.
While in detention, Besigye has been denied access to proper medical care, leading to concerns about his well-being. His family has pleaded with the authorities to provide him with the necessary medical attention, but their requests have largely been ignored till over the weekend when his family said that his personal doctor had been invited to prison. This further raised concerns among Ugandans. Later on in the evening hours of 16th February, 2025 Besigye was rushed to a clinic in bugolobi village mall.
Besigye’s deteriorating health has sparked widespread concern among his supporters and human rights organizations. Many have called for his immediate release, citing his poor health and the need for him to receive proper medical care.
