Inside Story!! Why Besigye Has Stopped Eating And Seeing His Lawyers – Luzira Prison Officers In Fear On Possible Death

Reports indicate that Besigye is refusing both food and legal visits in protest of his continued detention.According to sources, the former four-time presidential contender is unhappy about being kept in prison despite a recent Supreme Court ruling that ordered all civilians being prosecuted in military courts to be transferred to regular courts.

On January 31, 2025, the court ruled that it is unconstitutional for civilians to be tried in military courts, citing concerns over fairness and independence. However, Besigye and other political detainees, including his aide Hajj Obeid Lutale, remain in jail.

As news of his hunger strike spread, several of Besigye’s supporters took to the streets to demand his release. In response, police arrested four people in separate protests held in Kampala.

Among those arrested was Ingrid Turinawe, a political activist and member of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), along with human rights activist James Ssuna and two others.

According to police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, the protesters were arrested at Parliament Gate and Constitution Square. They are expected to be charged with causing public nuisance and remain in custody at Kampala Central Police Station.

Turinawe and her group had initially tried to deliver a legal notice to the Attorney General, Kiwanuka Kiryowa, demanding the release of Besigye and other detained opposition figures. When they were denied access, they moved to Parliament, where security officers intercepted and arrested them.

Besigye and his aide Hajj Lutale have been facing charges related to security, illegal possession of firearms, and treachery. These charges were initially filed in a military court, which, as per the Supreme Court ruling, should no longer have jurisdiction over civilians.

Despite this, the government has yet to transfer his case to a civil court or release him.With pressure mounting from both local and international human rights groups, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to growing demands for his release.