Winnie Byanyima, the Executive Director of UNAIDS and wife to jailed opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye, has ruled out any interest in contesting for Uganda’s presidency.
Speaking during an interview on NBS Television on Thursday morning, Byanyima said her focus is on pushing for a peaceful transition of power rather than seeking political office.
“I am less interested in running for office (President). I am more interested in helping to sort out this political stalemate,” she said.
Byanyima stressed that Uganda’s progress hinges on an orderly and peaceful handover of power — something the country has yet to experience in its post-independence history.
“Uganda will be better if we get a peaceful transition of power,” she said.
With President Yoweri Museveni now in his 39th year in power, Byanyima warned that the country risks further stagnation and violence if a genuine transition is not pursued.
She criticised the continued harassment and suppression of opposition leaders, noting that this is stifling the country’s democratic space.
“Right now, one of the political leaders, Kizza Besigye, who should be out there providing an alternative, is in jail. Another one, Robert Kyagulanyi, is constantly harassed, with his offices constantly raided. Why would anybody want to be part of this?” she asked.
Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and critic of the ruling government, is currently on remand at Luzira Prison. Byanyima described him as a resilient and principled leader.
“He never changes. He is a law-abiding citizen and a very strong leader who doesn’t break even under persecution. He is as strong as ever and motivated,” she said.
Byanyima warned that the 2026 general election is unlikely to be different from previous polls, which have been marred by violence and electoral malpractices.
“The next election will not be different from the past one. It will be violent and accompanied by a lot of bribery because we are stuck at a point where it’s time for the leader to leave but he doesn’t want to leave,” she remarked.
Calling for national consensus, Byanyima said she is eager to participate in a serious national dialogue aimed at shaping Uganda’s future.
“I would want to be involved in a serious national dialogue about the future of our country,” she said, adding that she supports efforts by various groups forming coalitions and bringing new ideas to the political landscape.
She also urged President Museveni to stop criminalising opposition leaders and instead engage them in dialogue.
“I encourage President Museveni not to take the path he is taking of criminalising his Opposition, but instead to dialogue with them,” she said.
Byanyima concluded by expressing concern over the violence that tends to erupt during electoral seasons, noting that it contradicts the very ideals the National Resistance Movement (NRM) fought for during the bush war struggle.
“It is worrying when you see violence in the run-up to an election. It’s just not right. There is no need for violence. That’s what NRM stands for. It’s what we went to the bush for,” she said.
