Jailed opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye has been discharged from the Luzira Prison hospital and returned to his prison cell, according to his wife, Winnie Byanyima.Byanyima expressed concern over the decision, saying Besigye was still recovering from a serious health crisis and remained extremely weak.She also revealed that Besigye’s sister, Dr Olive Kobusingye, who had been assisting with his care at the prison hospital, was sent back home after spending about two weeks with him.“I am hurt, angry and anxious,” Byanyima said in an update on Besigye’s condition.
Besigye’s health became a major concern after he collapsed during High Court proceedings in Kampala on July 29. He was taken to Mulago National Referral Hospital before being returned to Luzira Prison.A subsequent medical assessment found that Besigye remained unable to speak or write but was alert, understood his surroundings and could follow verbal instructions.
Doctors also reported no signs of an acute stroke or brain bleeding, although an EEG showed features of diffuse encephalopathy.Byanyima has questioned whether returning Besigye to normal prison conditions could affect his recovery and whether he is fit to continue participating in court proceedings.The Uganda Prisons Service had not publicly explained the reasons for his discharge from the prison hospital or the departure of his sister.The development is likely to renew concerns over Besigye’s health, medical care and ability to participate in his ongoing legal proceedings.
