Byanyima called for Besigye to be granted bail so that he could return home and receive the medical attention she said he urgently needs.
UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima has dismissed reports that her husband, veteran opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye, is involved in negotiations or a plea bargain aimed at securing his release.
Byanyima’s remarks follow reports that a multi-faction committee coordinated by Gen Salim Saleh had been established to engage government and opposition figures over Besigye’s continued detention. The reported talks involve political, religious and other prominent figures.
In a statement on October 5, Byanyima said Besigye had not entered into any negotiations or plea deal and maintained his innocence.
“Kizza Besigye maintains his innocence. He has entered into no negotiations and no plea bargain,” Byanyima said.
She said the family’s immediate concern was Besigye’s health and his right to access appropriate medical care.
Byanyima called for Besigye to be granted bail so that he could return home and receive the medical attention she said he urgently needs.
“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 said the defence had submitted a fifth bail application and appealed to High Court Judge Emmanuel Baguma to schedule a hearing.
“Judge Baguma, please fix a hearing and grant KB bail,” she said.
She further drew a distinction between any broader political dialogue and Besigye’s freedom, saying the two matters should not be tied together.
“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.”
Reports of the Saleh-led discussions emerged last week, with sources cited by New Vision saying an opposition team had also been assembled to engage Saleh’s group. The reported discussions have not publicly disclosed specific terms for Besigye’s release.
Besigye has been in state custody since his arrest in Nairobi, Kenya, in November 2024. He is facing treason charges before the High Court, which has previously dealt with several applications for his release on bail.
Byanyima has repeatedly raised concerns about his health, including after he collapsed during a High Court session in Kampala in July and was taken to hospital.
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