Museveni Dismisses Besigye’s Hunger Strike as “Unprincipled Blackmail

Kampala, Uganda – Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has responded to concerns over the health of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, who was reportedly weakened due to a hunger strike.

Museveni emphasized that Besigye had access to medical care, including a government hospital in the prison and visits from his personal doctors, who even took him to private clinics.

Via his official handle (X), the president questioned the motives behind Besigye’s hunger strike, suggesting it was a form of “unprincipled blackmail” aimed at generating sympathy for his case.

Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni argued that instead of resorting to a hunger strike, Besigye should have demanded a quick trial.

It’s worth noting that Besigye has been a vocal opponent of Museveni’s government, and their relationship has been marked by tensions and controversies.

The Ugandan government has faced criticism for its handling of opposition leaders and human rights issues for decades.