Dr. Kizza Besigye has been prohibited from receiving food brought by his family and supporters while detained at Luzira Maximum Security Prison.
According to Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura, Besigye has been given a stark ultimatum: consume prison-provided meals or go without food.
Nyanjura, who visited Besigye as part of a People’s Front for Transition delegation, revealed the restrictions imposed on him during their visit. Despite bringing food supplies, including posho, milk, millet flour, honey, cooking oil, rice, and Blue Band margarine, all items were turned away by prison authorities.
“We were informed that all these food items are available for purchase at the prison canteen,” Nyanjura explained. However, Besigye has refused to buy food from the canteen, citing mistrust in the prison’s systems and questioning the safety of the provisions.
Besigye’s detention follows charges of treachery and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, which he is contesting in court alongside co-accused Hajji Obeid Lutale. The duo was recently brought back to court for proceedings related to their ongoing case.
The ban on external food donations has sparked criticism, with supporters accusing authorities of attempting to suppress Besigye’s resilience.
