The son of detained Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye has issued a public appeal to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba, urging them to release his father on humanitarian grounds following a reported health scare in court.
In a statement shared on social media, Adam Ampa Besigye described a distressing moment when he witnessed his father collapse while appearing before court, raising fresh concerns over the veteran politician’s health and continued detention.
“Today, my heart broke as I watched my father collapse in court,” Adam wrote, framing his message as a personal plea rather than a political statement.
He emphasized that no family should endure such an experience, particularly involving a figure who has long been active in Uganda’s political landscape.
Besigye, a four-time presidential contender and long-time critic of Museveni’s administration, has been in detention amid ongoing legal proceedings.
His arrest and continued custody have drawn attention from opposition supporters and civil society groups, some of whom have questioned the conditions of his detention and access to medical care.
In his appeal, Adam maintained that his father is innocent of the charges he faces and has never posed harm to the country’s leadership.
He noted that Besigye’s political activities have consistently been guided by his beliefs, even when they placed him at odds with the government.
“My father’s health continues to deteriorate,” he wrote, warning that Uganda risks losing not only a prominent political figure but also an opportunity to demonstrate fairness and justice beyond political divisions.
The appeal also called for authorities to ensure Besigye receives adequate medical attention and legal protections while in custody.
Adam further urged the leadership to consider his father’s age and condition, appealing for compassion and reconciliation.