By UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima has asked President Yoweri Museveni to steer Uganda toward a peaceful democratic transition and end the political persecution of opposition figures, including her husband and veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye.
Addressing the press in Kampala, Byanyima condemned the continued detention of Dr. Besigye, whom she described as a political prisoner, and decried the deteriorating state of democracy and governance in Uganda. She cited Besigye’s abduction from Kenya in November 2024, his illegal trial before a military court, and the prolonged denial of bail as evidence of systemic violations of human rights and the rule of law.
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“Dr. Besigye is a 69-year-old civilian who was dragged before a military court in breach of both national and international law,” she said. “Despite a Supreme Court ruling barring such trials, he remains in jail under appalling conditions.”
Byanyima described the conditions in which Besigye is being held as inhumane, revealing that he shares a small concrete cell with about 15 other remand prisoners, some of whom have been held without trial for over a decade. She detailed how he is barred from interacting with other inmates, denied communal prayers, and is even forced to accompany guards to the toilet to avoid unsanctioned contact.
“He’s locked in a tiny cell, tormented by bedbugs, denied fresh air, denied light, and denied basic dignity. His only crime is that he dared to challenge for political leadership,” she said.
Byanyima made it clear that her appeal was not on behalf of the opposition, but as a Ugandan deeply concerned about the country’s political direction. She called on Museveni to rise above partisan politics and lead a peaceful handover of power.
“President Museveni is a historic leader who helped rebuild Uganda. He should now protect that legacy by leading a peaceful transition to new leadership,” she said. “We do not want to return to the chaos of the 1980s. We need inclusive dialogue, rule of law, and a credible electoral process.”
She warned that Uganda is at risk of falling deeper into political and economic instability if meaningful reform is not undertaken. Citing rising youth unemployment, capital flight, and rampant corruption, she said the country’s future was hanging in the balance.
“83% of university graduates under 24 are jobless. Every year, 700,000 young Ugandans enter the job market, but only 90,000 find work. This is not sustainable.” Byanyima said. “Investors are pulling out, corruption is spiraling, and civil servants are looting public funds because of the growing uncertainty about Uganda’s political future.”
She added that an estimated 25% of Uganda’s national budget is lost to corruption annually, costing the country over $2.5 billion each year and depriving citizens of essential services like healthcare and education.
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Byanyima ended her address with a direct appeal to the president:
“Free Dr. Besigye. Free your political opponents. Talk to them. Lead the reforms. Create a fair, predictable path to leadership change. That will be your legacy.”
Her remarks come at a critical moment, as Uganda prepares for the 2026 general elections amid growing calls for democratic reform, rule of law, and political dialogue.
