Winnie Byanyima, the wife of Col Dr Kizza Besigye, has called for open and inclusive political dialogue amid reports that Gen Salim Saleh is leading efforts to secure her husband’s release from prison.
Byanyima made the remarks after reports emerged that Saleh was holding discussions with various political and religious figures over Besigye’s continued detention.
She said Besigye was not involved in the reported talks and had not entered into any negotiations or plea bargain.
“Kizza Besigye maintains his innocence. He has entered into no negotiations and no plea bargain,” Byanyima said.
She said the family’s immediate concern remained Besigye’s health and called for him to be granted bail so that he could return home and receive medical care.
“We continue to demand that he be granted bail and allowed to come home to me, so he can receive the best possible care and recover. This is a right every Ugandan should enjoy,” she said.
Byanyima also revealed that Besigye’s defence team had filed a fifth bail application and appealed to the trial judge, Justice Emmanuel Baguma, to schedule a hearing.
“Judge Baguma, please fix a hearing and grant KB bail,” she said.
She said any broader political dialogue should be pursued independently of Besigye’s freedom and health.
“If Gen Saleh is interested in a genuine national dialogue about Uganda’s political crisis, I encourage him to pursue it openly, inclusively and on its own merits,” Byanyima said.
“But Besigye’s freedom and health should not be bargaining chips in such a process.”
Last weekend, the New Vision reported that Saleh was leading efforts involving members of the ruling National Resistance Movement, the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), religious leaders and senior citizens.
The report said a committee of eminent persons would support Saleh, while an opposition team would engage with his group. It did not disclose the proposed terms for Besigye’s release or a deadline for concluding the discussions.
Besigye has been in detention since November 2024 after he was abducted in Nairobi, Kenya, on 16 November. He faces charges relating to security, possession of weapons and treason.
