Exiled author and lawyer Kakwenza Rukirabashaija has cast doubt on Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi’s claim that he visited opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye at Mulago National Referral Hospital, escalating a public dispute over access and credibility.
Baryomunsi said on Friday that he had checked on Besigye, who is recovering after collapsing in court last week, describing the veteran politician as “steadily recuperating” under medical care.
The minister also praised the team of health workers attending to him.
However, Kakwenza challenged the statement, pointing to what he described as a pattern of disputed claims by the minister regarding Besigye’s status.
In a response posted online, the exiled critic referenced a previous incident in which Baryomunsi reportedly said he had visited Besigye during his detention at Luzira Prison — a claim the opposition figure later denied.
Kakwenza further dismissed assertions that the minister had ever been in contact with him, accusing Baryomunsi of making unverifiable public claims about political opponents.
The exchange comes amid heightened attention on Besigye’s health following his dramatic collapse on July 29 during proceedings in a treason case.
Witnesses said he appeared visibly distressed before falling in the dock, prompting an abrupt suspension of the session and his emergency transfer to Mulago Hospital.
He was initially admitted to the intensive care unit, with early reports indicating he was unconscious. Sources close to his family later said he had been stabilised and moved out of ICU, though he remained weak and under observation.
Baryomunsi’s remarks marked the first direct update from a senior government official indicating improvement in Besigye’s condition.
However, the absence of a detailed medical report and continued concerns over restricted access have fuelled scepticism among opposition figures and activists.