Bobi Wine blasts Museveni’s govt over Kizza Besigye’s deteriorating health
By Joel Masibo, January 21, 2026Uganda’s opposition leader, Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, has blasted President Yoweri Museveni’s regime over the deteriorating health of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) leader Kizza Besigye, who is in detention.
Taking to his X account on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Bobi Wine, who recently lost the presidential election to the incumbent, stood in solidarity with Besigye before calling for action against Museveni’s authorities for what he termed as suffering caused in Uganda.
Bobi Wine’s rage
”Very sad to hear that Dr. Kizza Besigye’s health has continued to deteriorate while in detention, having been denied access to proper medical care. We stand fully in solidarity with him and pray for his recovery. Museveni and his criminal regime must never get away with all the suffering they have caused to our nation,” Bobi Wine said.
Bobi Wine’s remarks follow PFF’s expression of concern over the health of its leader, saying his condition has become “critical and deteriorating” while in custody.
In a statement released on Tuesday night, January 20, 2026, the group said it had received “credible reports” that Dr Besigye was rushed overnight from Luzira Prison to a medical facility at Bugolobi Village Mall under heavy security.
The group also dismissed reports by the Uganda Prisons Spokesperson Frank Baine suggesting that Besigye was taken for a routine check-up.
Besigye taken ill
”Despite the claims made by Prisons Spokesperson Frank Baine suggesting that Dr. Besigye was merely taken for a “routine check” we want to inform the nation and the world of the truth: Our leader is seriously unwell,” the statement said in part.
”The regime’s attempt to characterise his medical emergency as “routine” is a blatant attempt to mask the physical toll of his continued detention. While he is in a weakened state, Justice Baguma continues to demand his appearance before the court. This is a cruel and calculated move,” it added.
The PFF has further recalled for the unconditional release of Kizza Besigye for specialised treatment, adding that he has carried the burden of freedom for many years.
”We cannot ignore the shadows of the past. We remember the tragic fate of our leader’s brother, Saasi, and we refuse to let Dr Besigye be subjected to the same pattern of neglect and state-sponsored hardship. Freedom has a price, and Dr Besigye has carried that burden for decades. However, his life and health are not negotiable.”
”We will not be silenced while our leader’s wellbeing is put at risk. We demand Dr Besigye’s unconditional release to allow him to seek specialised, independent medical attention.” The statement said.
Kiza Besigye’s detention since November 2024 has continued to spark massive concern. The opposition chief has been arrested at least five times, with the most recent being on Sunday, November 16, 2024, in Nairobi, where he was to attend the People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua’s book launch.