Kenyan politician and human rights defender Martha Karua has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating health of Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye. Speaking on the matter, Karua revealed that she and other concerned parties were informed that Dr. Besigye has recently been experiencing bouts of dizziness, signaling the need for urgent medical attention.
Karua stressed that his condition requires immediate diagnosis and treatment by qualified doctors. She noted that the prolonged and unnecessary incarceration of the veteran opposition figure has significantly compromised his well-being, raising fears of long-term damage if the situation is not addressed.
Dr. Besigye, a former presidential candidate and long-time critic of President Yoweri Museveni’s regime, has endured numerous arrests, detentions, and house arrests over the years due to his unyielding political stance. Human rights organizations have repeatedly condemned the Ugandan government’s treatment of him, citing violations of basic freedoms and the right to proper healthcare.
Karua underscored the moral and legal obligation of the authorities to safeguard Besigye’s health while in custody, urging that his medical needs must not be neglected. She further called on regional leaders, civil society, and the international community to pay close attention to his case, emphasizing that political differences should never justify the denial of fundamental human rights.
The concerns voiced by Karua add to growing calls for Ugandan authorities to ensure justice, fairness, and humane treatment for political detainees. For many, Dr. Besigye’s plight symbolizes the broader struggle for democracy, accountability, and respect for human dignity in the region.
