The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, has instructed Parliament\u2019s Committee on Human Rights to visit Luzira Prisons to ascertain whether Dr. Kizza Besigye is being treated in line with standard prison procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The directive was given to the committee, chaired by West Budama North East Constituency legislator Hon. Fox Odoi, during Thursday\u2019s parliament plenary sitting. This followed complaints from opposition legislators who alleged that Dr. Besigye has been denied access to food from his family and the chance to physically interact with visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI 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\u2019s statement, we can also discuss the committee\u2019s findings,\u201d Rt Hon. Tayebwa stated. The directive was met with applause from the House.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The proposal to dispatch the committee was specifically put forward by Bugiri Municipality legislator Asuman Basalirwa, who remarked that Parliament would have \u201cdischarged its obligations\u201d by taking such action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, Tayebwa cautioned against expanding the committee\u2019s mandate to include tasks such as investigating Dr. Besigye\u2019s health condition or directing the prisons to allow private doctors chosen by his family to examine him. This request had been made by Kira Municipality Member of Parliament Ibrahim Ssemujju and Bukonjo West legislator Atkins Katusabe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Deputy Speaker argued that additional responsibilities could delay the committee\u2019s report, which is scheduled for presentation and debate next Tuesday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHonourable 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,\u201d Tayebwa cautioned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He added, \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, Tayebwa joined other legislators in offering prayers for Dr. Besigye, saying, \u201cLet\u2019s pray for him; we all wish him the best.\u201d Earlier in the sitting, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa, also prayed for Dr. Besigye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several legislators expressed appreciation for the directive. \u201cI am very happy with your guidance, very happy,\u201d said Busiro East legislator Ssegona Medard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During Tuesday\u2019s plenary, the Attorney General is also expected to present a report on Dr. Besigye, which will be discussed alongside the committee\u2019s findings.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, has instructed Parliament\u2019s Committee on Human Rights to visit Luzira Prisons to ascertain whether Dr. Kizza Besigye is being treated in line with standard prison procedures. The directive was given to the committee, chaired by West Budama North East Constituency legislator Hon. Fox Odoi, during Thursday\u2019s […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":27983,"featured_media":39258,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_paywall_metabox":[],"jnews_override_counter":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[98],"tags":[31,6504],"class_list":["post-39257","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-featured","tag-thomas-tayebwa"],"yoast_head":"\n