Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS and wife of Dr. Kizza Besigye, has made an impassioned plea to President Museveni to listen to dissenting voices and recognize that those who disagree with him are not enemies of Uganda. Byanyima expressed her concerns about her husband’s arrest and the charges brought against him, which she believes are framed by the regime.
Byanyima, who spoke to journalists at her home in Kasangati-Wakiso, reminded President Museveni of their shared past, when he had convinced them to join him in the fight for justice and democracy.
She expressed her regret that Museveni now sees them as enemies. “Many people have disagreed with you, and this is not a crime,” Byanyima said. “You led us to win the war, but you can’t continue applying military war tactics on those who disagree with you forever. It is wrong.”
Byanyima also emphasized the importance of seeking peace and engaging in discussions with those who hold different opinions. She noted that many NRM leaders, including herself, have left the party due to the lack of room for discussion.
Byanyima visited her husband and his co-accused, Hajji Obed Kamulegeya, at Luzira prison on Friday and reported that they are in good condition but anxious about being tried in a military court.
She does not believe her husband’s arrest is connected to the upcoming 2026 General Elections. Still, she is adamant that wanting to contest an election should not make someone a traitor or an enemy of the state.
Byanyima is demanding justice for her husband and his co-accused and has highlighted the trauma experienced by Kamulegeya’s family, particularly his children, due to his arrest on framed charges.
Besigye and his co-accused were kidnapped from Nairobi and charged with possession of firearms, before being remanded to Luzira Prisons until December 2.
