Following growing political tension and escalating medical concerns surrounding detained opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, Gen. Salim Saleh has formally confirmed his intervention to secure urgent medical treatment for the politician. Speaking before more than 100 Members of Parliament at Kapeeka, Nakaseke District, Gen. Saleh disclosed that he found Besigye in a critical condition prior to his hospital transfer, while signaling broader, long-term political reconciliation objectives.
Gen. Saleh’s involvement was triggered
by a public X post from Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, which
suggested Saleh was best positioned to handle Besigye's legal and personal
impasse. Saleh subsequently contacted Gen. Muhoozi and proceeded to inspect the
detainee's condition.
Upon visiting Besigye, Gen. Saleh noted that
the politician was in a critical, life-threatening state, which prompted
immediate arrangements for his transfer from Luzira Prison to the Joint
Clinical Research Centre (JCRC) in Lubowa in August.
While Gen. Saleh declined to officially
confirm media speculation regarding leading negotiations for Besigye’s release,
his statements strongly hinted at ongoing behind-the-scenes dialogue.
Gen. Saleh emphasized a desire to resolve
historical political fractures, stating:
“We are trying to help young people not to inherit generational quarrels.
I hope we can convince each other in the next three or six months to get the
Uganda we want.”
Dr. Kizza Besigye has been on remand
since November 2024 following his arrest in Nairobi, Kenya, facing treason
charges alongside co-accused Hajji Obeid Lutale and Capt. Denis Oola.
Trial proceedings before High Court Judge
Emmanuel Baguma have faced hurdles due to Besigye’s declining health, including
his collapse during a court session on July 29, 2026, leading to a judicial
ruling allowing trial progression in absentia.
Despite rumors of backchannel engagements,
entities such as the PFF and Besigye's wife, Winnie Byanyima, have publicly
downplayed or denied that formal negotiations for his release are currently
underway with Gen. Saleh.
