The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of its leader, Dr. Kizza Besigye, citing a serious deterioration in his health while in detention.
In a statement issued to the public, the party dismissed claims by Prisons Spokesperson Frank Baine that Dr. Besigye was taken for a “routine medical check,” insisting the situation is far more grave.
“We want to inform the nation and the world of the truth: our leader is seriously unwell,” the statement said.
PFF accused authorities of deliberately downplaying what it described as a medical emergency, arguing that labeling the situation as “routine” is meant to conceal the physical toll of Dr. Besigye’s continued detention.
“The regime’s attempt to characterize his medical emergency as ‘routine’ is a blatant attempt to mask the physical toll of his continued detention,” the party noted.
The group also criticized Justice Baguma for insisting that Dr. Besigye appears in court despite his weakened condition, calling the move “cruel and calculated.”
PFF further referenced past family tragedies, warning against a repeat of history.
“We remember the tragic fate of our leader’s brother, Saasi, and we refuse to let Dr. Besigye be subjected to the same pattern of neglect and state-sponsored hardship,” the statement added.
While acknowledging Dr. Besigye’s decades-long sacrifice in the struggle for political freedom, the party stressed that his health and life must come first.
“Freedom has a price, and Dr. Besigye has carried that burden for decades. However, his life and health are not negotiable,” PFF said.
The People’s Front for Freedom concluded by reiterating its call for Dr. Besigye’s immediate release to allow him to seek specialized, independent medical attention.
“We will not be silenced while our leader’s wellbeing is put at risk,” the statement concluded.
