Prison Services speak out on reports of blocking Besigye from receiving food items from his family and supporters

The Uganda Prisons Service has dismissed claims that the government and prison authorities are conspiring to harm Dr. Kizza Besigye during his detention at Luzira Maximum Security Prison.

Speaking during a weekly security briefing at Police Headquarters in Naguru this morning, prisons spokesperson Frank Baine said that Besigye is in good health.

“I want to categorically state that these allegations are false. The government has no intention of harming Dr. Kizza Besigye as claimed. We adhere to international law and the Prisons Act. Our operations are guided by professionalism, not political interests or emotions,” Baine emphasized.

Baine clarified that providing food to prisoners from outside the facility is not a right but a privilege that requires approval from the Officer in Charge of the prison.

“Dr. Besigye is not an exception; all prisoners are treated equally under the same regulations,” he said.

These remarks follow allegations made by Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura, who recently reported that Besigye had been prohibited from receiving food brought by his family and supporters. According to Nyanjura, Besigye was presented with two choices: consume prison-provided meals or go without food.

The situation has drawn public attention, with some critics accusing authorities of using restrictive measures to intimidate Besigye.

Besigye, a prominent opposition figure, is currently facing charges of treachery and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, alongside his co-accused Hajji Obeid Lutale.