UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima has condemned the continued detention of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, describing his condition as “humiliating” and “outrageous.”
Besigye’s wife visited him in his prison cell and painted a grim picture of his confinement, raising serious concerns over his health and the circumstances of his detention.
Byanyima described Besigye’s prison cell as a narrow, dark space, where a small bed occupied the entire length of the room. “A pile of old newspapers and two old cardboard boxes next to his bed left room for just one stool to sit on,” she revealed.
She had to pass through six or seven locked doors to reach his cell, which she was informed was a special facility reserved for suspected terrorists.
“It was very painful to find Kizza Besigye in such humiliating circumstances,” she said. “He is weak, has lost alarming weight, and is dizzy—he hasn’t eaten in five days. This is not just illegal detention, it is kidnapping.”
Byanyima has called for the immediate release of Besigye, demanding that President Yoweri Museveni and his son, the army chief, take responsibility. “He is a citizen with rights—just like them!” she declared.
Disputed Visit by Minister Baryomunsi
Byanyima also dismissed recent claims by Information Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, who stated that Besigye was in good health. According to Byanyima, Besigye made it clear that he neither invited nor consented to seeing Baryomunsi.
“A prison officer forced him into the room. Mr. Baryomunsi lied about having a conversation—Besigye remained completely silent in protest. Baryomunsi ranted, heard not a single word in response, and left,” she revealed.
Byanyima further criticized the authorities for dismissing Besigye’s complaints about the violation of his privacy. “The impunity is staggering. The humiliation is endless. No one should be subjected to this,” she stated.
General Sejusa Weighs In
Former intelligence Chief General David Sejusa, also known as Tinyefuza, has issued a warning about the broader political implications of Besigye’s detention.
In a strongly worded statement, Sejusa argued that the fight is not just about legality but about political power.
“This fight is beyond law, courts, judges, and even rights. Underneath all the high-sounding words of freedom and rights lies a fight for political power! That’s what makes this fight lethal and even existential for some people,” Sejusa wrote.
He cautioned that the ongoing power struggle involves attempts to restructure the military, an institution that, according to him, was built with blood and cannot be changed recklessly.
“UPDF took blood to build; it can safely be restructured by consensus, not by running roughshod over anyone with different views! If cool heads don’t come forward to help, it may lead to spilling more blood. And this is a real possibility!” Sejusa warned.
Call for Legal Recourse
Sejusa also criticized some of Besigye’s supporters for what he called misguided activism, arguing that their focus should be on ensuring Besigye is taken to court rather than simply demanding his release.
“If the state has a case against Besigye, they will not free him as you are demanding. The call should be to take Besigye before a competent court (High Court) to get bail and let him have medical care,” he advised.
Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and a longtime critic of President Museveni, has faced repeated arrests and crackdowns on his activism. His latest imprisonment has sparked widespread condemnation, with human rights organizations calling for urgent intervention.
