Summary:
Byanyima emphasized that Besigye does not need what she termed as Baryomunsi’s “deceitful counsel” but rather his rightful freedom.
KAMPALA: Winnie Byanyima, wife of former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) president Dr. Kizza Besigye, has strongly criticized ICT and National Guidance Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi’s visit to Luzira Prison, calling it an insult and an abuse of her husband’s rights.
Byanyima, who is also the executive director of UNAIDS, expressed her outrage on X (formerly Twitter), accusing Minister Baryomunsi of being complicit in Besigye’s detention.
“Besigye was abducted and is being held captive by your government. As an NRM minister, you are not a concerned visitor—you are his captor,” she posted.
She further condemned the visit, calling it suspicious and warning that her family would hold Baryomunsi and the government accountable for any harm that may come to Besigye.
“Our family finds your visit highly suspicious, and we will hold you and your government fully accountable for any harm that comes to him,” she added.
Byanyima emphasized that Besigye does not need what she termed as Baryomunsi’s “deceitful counsel” but rather his rightful freedom.
The backlash follows Baryomunsi’s own post on X, in which he revealed that he had visited Besigye at Luzira Prison.
“I have just visited Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye at Luzira Prison, accompanied by his personal doctors. I have advised him to resume taking food, as the government works to fast-track the transfer of his case from the court martial to a civil court,” the minister wrote.
Besigye’s detention and the circumstances surrounding his case continue to spark political tensions, with opposition figures and human rights advocates demanding his release.
