Politics 24 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Byanyima Pleads for Besigye's Medical Transfer Amidst Rights Concerns
UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima has urgently requested the Ugandan government to allow her husband, Dr. Kizza Besigye, to receive medical treatment in Geneva, citing cruel detention conditions and his deteriorating health. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/byanyima-decries-besigye-s-return-to-prison-cell-calls-trial-cruel-amid-health-concerns-5568794
Winnie Byanyima, the executive director of UNAIDS, has publicly expressed grave concerns over the health and treatment of her husband, veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye. She is appealing to the Ugandan government to permit him to travel to Geneva for specialized medical care.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on August 24, 2026, Byanyima described Besigye’s return to a detention cell as a cruel violation of his human rights. She emphasized that Besigye is innocent until proven guilty and deserves the same rights to health, family support, and legal protection afforded to all Ugandans, including the First Family.
Byanyima highlighted the harsh conditions of the detention facility, referring to it as a “dark, bedbug-infested cell” that is unsuitable for a weakened individual. She raised alarm over previous public statements made by the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who had reportedly threatened that Besigye might leave prison in a coffin.
Adding to her distress, Byanyima noted that Dr. Besigye’s sisters, who had been providing care, were removed from the prison facility by warders and prison authorities. She criticized the ongoing trial, presided over by High Court Judge Emmanuel Baguma, for disregarding Besigye’s critical medical condition.
Dr. Besigye has been in state custody since his arrest in Nairobi in November 2024 on treason charges. His family and legal team continue to advocate for his release on bail to enable him to access necessary medical attention. Byanyima assured authorities that Besigye would return to face his trial once his health is restored.