The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa has instructed Parliament’s Human Rights Committee to visit Luzira Prisons to verify that Dr. Kizza Besigye is receiving treatment by standard prison procedures.
During Thursday’s parliament plenary sitting, Opposition legislators raised concerns that Dr. Besigye has been denied family food and physical interaction with visitors. The committee, led by Hon. Fox Odoi, is to prepare a report for Tuesday. Tayebwa stressed that the committee should focus on its core mandate and avoid expanding it to include health evaluations or allowing private doctors to visit, as suggested by some legislators, to ensure timely reporting.
He reminded Parliament of their limited authority, stating, “My authority here stops at a certain point. I cannot order that doctors recommended by the family be allowed to see him.”
In addition, Tayebwa joined other legislators in offering prayers for Dr. Besigye, emphasizing, “Let’s pray for him; we all wish him the best.” Earlier, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa, also prayed for Dr. Besigye during the session. The Deputy Speaker’s directive received appreciation from many legislators.
The Attorney General is also expected to present a report on Dr. Besigye during Tuesday’s plenary, to be discussed alongside the committee’s findings.
