Winnie Byanyima Calls for Dialogue Over Release of Kiiza Besigye

KAMPALA — Winnie Byanyima, the wife of jailed opposition politician Kiiza Besigye and Executive Director of Oxfam International, has emphasized that political differences should be resolved through dialogue rather than negotiations aimed at securing the release of political prisoners.

Byanyima dismissed reports alleging that she had requested negotiations with the government to secure Besigye’s release from Luzira Prison, where he is currently remanded on treason charges.

“Political differences should be solved through dialogue. We welcome dialogue on the political issues. I did not ask for negotiations for release of Dr. Kiiza Besigye,” Byanyima stated in a message shared on her account on X.

The case against Besigye and his co-accused is currently before the High Court of Uganda. According to the prosecution, Dr. Col (Rtd) Besigye, 67; Lutale, 65; Captain Oola, 48; and others still at large allegedly, between 2023 and November 2024, plotted to overthrow the Government of Uganda by force of arms.

Prosecutors claim that the alleged activities occurred in several locations, including Geneva in Switzerland, Athens in Greece, Nairobi in Kenya, and Kampala, where the accused are said to have expressed or declared the alleged plot through utterances and overt acts.