People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has questioned Uganda’s government over the continued detention of opposition leader Kizza Besigye amid growing concerns about his deteriorating health. Karua, speaking on Thursday, September 3, 2026, challenged President Yoweri Museveni to explain why Besigye remains behind bars despite his worsening medical condition.
The former Kenyan Justice Minister also raised concerns over the treatment of Besigye’s former lawyer, Erias Lukwago, who is also in detention and has reportedly experienced serious health problems.
Karua Questions Besigye’s Treatment
Karua said Besigye’s prolonged detention had increasingly restricted his access to his family, supporters and legal team. She questioned why the Ugandan government had made it difficult for the veteran opposition leader to access lawyers of his choice while facing treason charges.
Karua argued that if Besigye had a legitimate case to answer, authorities should allow him access to proper legal representation and ensure his health needs are adequately addressed. She also expressed concern over Lukwago’s detention, noting that the former Kampala Lord Mayor and one of Besigye’s lawyers was arrested in June and later charged with misprision of treason. Lukwago has denied the allegations.
Besigye’s Health Raises Concern
Besigye, 70, has been in detention since November 2024 after he was abducted while in Kenya and subsequently transferred to Uganda. His health became a major concern after he collapsed during a court appearance in Kampala on July 29 and was taken to hospital before being returned to Luzira Prison.
His wife, Winnie Byanyima, has repeatedly called for him to receive specialised medical treatment outside Uganda. On August 28, Byanyima said Besigye had been transferred from Luzira Prison to the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC) following a deterioration in his condition. She said he remained extremely weak and was struggling with basic physical activities.
Uganda Prisons Confirms Medical Transfers
The Uganda Prisons Service confirmed that both Besigye and Lukwago had been moved from Luzira Prison for medical attention. Prison authorities said the two were in stable condition and that their transfer followed a court order as well as recommendations from medical professionals.
On Wednesday, September 2, a Ugandan High Court judge declined to order Besigye’s transfer to a medical facility of his choice. The court instead directed prison authorities to continue monitoring his health for three weeks before considering further action.
Karua’s Previous Clash With Uganda
Karua has been closely involved in Besigye’s legal and human rights advocacy following his detention and subsequent prosecution in Uganda. Her involvement also brought her into conflict with Ugandan authorities.
On June 22, 2026, Karua travelled to Uganda to observe court proceedings and a bail ruling involving Lukwago. However, upon arriving at Entebbe International Airport, Ugandan immigration officials reportedly revoked her clearance, confiscated her mobile phones and detained her before deporting her to Nairobi. Karua has continued to speak out over the treatment of Besigye and other opposition figures in Uganda, turning the matter into a wider regional human rights concern.
