The Commissioner General of Prisons, Johnson Byabashaija, has defended the decision to hold former presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye in solitary confinement and restrict his participation in communal prayers, citing concerns that his presence could incite unrest among inmates.
Appearing before Parliament’s Human Rights Committee on Tuesday, Byabashaija disclosed that Besigye, who is detained at Luzira Prison, has stopped communicating with prison authorities.
“In the past, Dr. Besigye spoke with us comfortably, but this time, he has chosen to remain silent. A close relative expressed his fears for his life, prompting me to revise security protocols. Initially, he had limited interactions, but when these concerns were raised, I directed that he be placed under stricter supervision for his own safety,” Byabashaija stated.
The prisons chief also dismissed reports that Besigye had gone on a hunger strike, revealing that the opposition leader designated three people to provide his meals and has not lacked food.
“So, I don’t know where these hunger strike claims are coming from. What I can confirm is that we have instituted a strict security regime around Dr. Besigye because we cannot take any chances. When someone alleges that you intend to harm them while they are in your custody, it becomes a serious matter, and that is why we have imposed these restrictions,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Committee, chaired by MP Fox Odoi, confirmed that Besigye has expressed fears for his safety, claiming he is being held in a highly restricted section of Luzira Prison—describing it as “a prison within a prison.” The committee’s report indicates that Besigye’s cell, located in the North Wing, is secured behind five gates and accommodates only 18 prisoners in total.
The report also details Besigye’s concerns about unexplained late-night movements in the prison, including padlocks being opened and closed without anyone entering his cell. He has reportedly taken precautions against potential poisoning by insisting on preparing his own meals.
Besigye is currently detained on charges of terrorism and illegal possession of firearms, as filed by the Court Martial. His legal team and family continue to push for improved access to him, arguing that the conditions of his detention violate his rights.
