People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua has questioned why Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye remains in detention despite growing concerns over his health.
Karua raised the issue on Thursday, September 3, 2026, asking what the Ugandan government is afraid of by continuing to hold the veteran opposition politician.
She said Besigye’s prolonged detention was worrying, especially as reports about his deteriorating health continue to emerge.
Besigye has been in detention since November 2024 after he was arrested following a visit to Nairobi and taken to Uganda, where he faced criminal charges.
His health has recently become a major concern. He was transferred from Luzira Prison to a hospital on August 28 after his condition reportedly worsened.
His wife, Winnie Byanyima, has said he has become extremely weak and needs specialised medical care and the support of his family.
Karua questioned why authorities continue to keep Besigye in custody instead of allowing him to receive proper treatment and spend time with his family.
The Kenyan opposition leader has previously spoken out against Besigye’s detention and called for respect for his rights.
Besigye, a long-time critic of President Yoweri Museveni, has faced arrests and legal battles for many years. He has also challenged Museveni in several presidential elections.
The continued detention has attracted criticism from opposition leaders, lawyers and human-rights groups, who have raised concerns about his health and treatment while in custody.
Karua’s latest remarks are likely to add pressure on Ugandan authorities to address questions surrounding Besigye’s detention and medical care.
