Dr Kizza Besigye appeared in court on Thursday weak and struggling to breathe, triggering massive concern about his health

Four-time presidential candidate Kizza Besigye has been taken under tight security to a clinic at Bugolobi Village Mall for emergency treatment.

Buhweju County MP Francis Mwijukye said Besigye was wheeled into the clinic, which is situated on the third floor of the mall.

Security personnel have been deployed in large numbers around the facility, restricting access and movement at the facility named The Clinic.

The Clinic could neither confirm nor deny Besigye’s presence, citing medical confidentiality.

“This is a medical facility, and we do keep confidentiality. I repeat, a medical facility keeps confidentiality. Thank you for calling,” the media was told by one of the officials.

But Ms Doreen Nyanjura, Kampala deputy Lord Mayor and one of the prominent persons in Besigye’s inner circle, formally confirmed to the Nile Post that their leader was undergoing treatment.

Attempts to reach Uganda Prisons spokesperson Frank Baine for comment were fruitless as his phone went unanswered.

Remanded in custody for close to three months in spite of a Supreme Court order for his release, Besigye looked frail and strained to breathe in court, sparking emotional reactions among his supporters.

Arrested on November 16, 2024, and charged before a military court with treason, Besigye was ordered released last month by the Supreme Court.

But he is still under detention at Luzira Prison, evoking sharp concerns about government impunity against the court order.

Despite Uganda Prisons’ claims that Besigye is in good health and well taken care of, his supporters are firmly convinced otherwise, pointing to his frailty during court appearances.