The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has directed Parliament’s Committee on Human Rights to visit Luzira Prison to ensure that Dr. Kizza Besigye is being treated according to standard prison procedures.
The directive was issued during the plenary sitting, where the committee, chaired by West Budama North East legislator Fox Odoi, was asked to look into concerns raised by opposition legislators. They had alleged that Dr. Besigye was being denied food from his family and access to physical interaction with visitors.
“I have consulted with the chairperson of the Committee on Human Rights. Let the committee visit Dr. Besigye tomorrow and prepare a report to be presented on Tuesday, so that during the debate on the government’s statement, we can also discuss the committee’s findings,” Tayebwa said. The directive was met with applause from the House.
The proposal to send the committee was put forward by Bugiri Municipality legislator Asuman Basalirwa, who argued that Parliament would fulfill its duties by taking such action.
However, Tayebwa cautioned against expanding the committee’s mandate, especially regarding tasks such as investigating Dr. Besigye’s health condition or directing the prisons to allow private doctors chosen by his family to examine him. These requests had been made by Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju and Bukonjo West legislator Atkins Katusabe.
The Deputy Speaker explained that broadening the committee’s role could delay the report, which is due for presentation and debate next Tuesday.
“Honourable colleagues, we hold positions of responsibility and power, but there are limits to our authority. My authority here stops at a certain point. I cannot order that doctors recommended by the family be allowed to see him,” Tayebwa said.
He added, “The Committee on Human Rights includes members from both the government and the opposition. The best course of action is for the committee to visit tomorrow and present their findings to us.”
Tayebwa, along with other legislators, also offered prayers for Dr. Besigye. “Let’s pray for him; we all wish him the best,” he said. Earlier in the sitting, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa, also prayed for Dr. Besigye.
Several legislators expressed appreciation for the directive. “I am very happy with your guidance, very happy,” said Busiro East legislator Ssegona Medard.
On Tuesday, the Attorney General is also expected to present a report on Dr. Besigye, which will be discussed alongside the committee’s findings.
