Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi is set to meet President Yoweri Museveni to brief him about the health condition of jailed opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye.

The planned meeting comes amid growing concern over Besigye’s health following his transfer from Mulago National Referral Hospital back to Luzira Prison.

Baryomunsi revealed that he would update the President about Besigye’s condition, saying his responsibility as Health Minister covers all Ugandans regardless of their political affiliations.

“I am scheduled to meet the president and update him on Dr Besigye’s health because he is the one who appointed me the Minister of Health to look after the health of all Ugandans, those in NRM and those who aren’t,” Baryomunsi said.

The minister made the remarks while attending a thanksgiving ceremony for Rubabo County MP Mathias Rwarubugumi.

Baryomunsi also addressed criticism he faced after visiting Besigye at Mulago Hospital.

He said some people attacked him online, questioning why he visited an opposition figure yet he belongs to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

“The other day I went to check on Col Dr Kizza Besigye and a lot of people insulted me online saying, ‘You are an NRM person. Why had you gone to see him?’” he said.

“This backward politics needs to stop,” Baryomunsi added.

The minister said political differences should not prevent leaders from showing concern for one another, especially when it comes to health matters.

He called for unity among Ugandans, saying people can have different political views but still remain citizens of the same country.

“Let us therefore stop this backward politics. Let us unite, even if we have divergent views on politics; we are all Ugandans and we all belong to one God,” he said.

Baryomunsi’s planned meeting with Museveni has attracted attention from some Ugandans who believe the President could consider Besigye’s health situation and possibly intervene.

Besigye was admitted to Mulago Hospital after collapsing during court proceedings at the High Court in Kampala on July 31.

The veteran opposition leader was later transferred back to Luzira Prison on August 7 after spending several days receiving medical attention.

Baryomunsi visited Besigye at Mulago on the same day and later said the opposition leader was recovering.

However, Besigye’s wife Winnie Byanyima disagreed with claims that her husband had improved enough to return to prison.

Byanyima said Besigye was still in a weak condition and could not walk, speak or take care of himself without assistance.

She explained that family members had been helping him with eating and other basic needs while he was in hospital.

Byanyima also questioned why Besigye was moved back to Luzira despite doctors reportedly recommending continued rehabilitation.

She claimed that a Uganda Prisons official who attended discussions with doctors and family members had acknowledged that Luzira Prison could not adequately support Besigye’s recovery.

The transfer has continued to raise debate among Besigye’s supporters and political observers, with many calling for attention to his medical condition.

Meanwhile, Baryomunsi has maintained that his visit was based on his responsibility as Health Minister and not political interests.

He has not indicated that he had any role in the decision to transfer Besigye back to Luzira Prison.

The minister says he will now present the available information about Besigye’s health to President Museveni as the government continues to monitor the situation.