The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has raised concern over the health of its leader, Kizza Besigye, saying his condition has worsened while in custody.

In the Party’s statement shared on X on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, PFF said the opposition figure is unwell and needs urgent medical attention. Besigye is being held at Luzira Prison in Kampala.

In its opening statement, the party said it was informing the public about the state of its leader’s health.

“The People’s Front for Freedom wishes to inform the public and all supporters of freedom that the health of our leader, Kizza Besigye, has reached a critical and deteriorating state,” the statement reads.

The party also gave details of a late-night medical transfer involving Besigye under tight security.

​“We have received credible reports that Besigye was rushed in the night from Luzira Prison to a medical facility at Bugolobi Village Mall under heavy security,” part of the party’s statement reads.

PFF went on to accuse the authorities of denying Besigye proper medical care despite his long public service.

“It is a tragedy that a man who has dedicated his life to the health and freedom of others is being denied his own right to medical dignity. We hold the regime and the prison authorities fully accountable for his well-being,” the party wrote.

The movement then made specific demands regarding access to Besigye and his continued detention.

“We demand that his personal doctors and family be granted immediate and unrestricted access to him. We reiterate that Besigye is being held in total disregard of the law. He must be freed to receive the care he deserves,” the statement reads.

In its closing remarks, the party appealed to the public for solidarity, promising further updates.

“We ask all compatriots and lovers of freedom to keep Besigye in your prayers and to remain vigilant. We will continue to provide updates as more details emerge from our teams on the ground,” the statement reads.

Besigye and Museveni’s history

Besigye and Museveni share a long and tense history. The two were once close allies during the bush war that brought Museveni to power in 1986. Besigye served as Museveni’s personal physician and later held positions in his government. However, by the late 1990s, he had turned into one of Museveni’s fiercest critics, accusing him of abandoning democratic reforms.

Besigye has since run against Museveni in four presidential elections, in 2001, 2006, 2011 and 2016, all of which he lost in polls marred by claims of rigging and intimidation. Over the years, he has been arrested, detained, and charged numerous times, but he has remained a central figure in Uganda’s opposition politics.