Fresh hope has emerged over the possible release of veteran opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye after retired General Salim Saleh revealed that efforts to resolve his continued detention could produce positive results within the next three to six months. Saleh’s remarks have attracted attention across the country, particularly among Besigye’s supporters, who have been calling for his immediate release and expressing concern about his health.
Gen Saleh, the younger brother of President Yoweri Museveni, made the revelation while addressing Members of Parliament at Kapeeka in Nakaseke District. He disclosed that he had recently reconnected with Besigye after receiving information about his deteriorating health. According to Saleh, he decided to personally get involved after learning about the opposition leader’s condition and seeing the need to find a lasting solution to his situation.
The retired general explained that his involvement followed a request from Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who reportedly asked him to take responsibility for handling Besigye’s matter. Saleh said he welcomed the assignment and was optimistic that the discussions would lead to a successful outcome within the promised timeframe. His intervention is now being viewed as a potentially important development in efforts to resolve the matter.
“I recently reconnected with Dr Kizza Besigye after learning about his illness and visited him. Now that the CDF, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has asked me to handle his matter, I welcome the opportunity. In the next three to six months, we shall have a successful outcome,” Saleh reportedly said.
Saleh also revealed that he had played a role in arranging Besigye’s transfer to the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC), where the opposition politician has been receiving specialised medical attention. The intervention reportedly followed his visit to Besigye, during which he became concerned about his health condition. The development has renewed discussions about the importance of addressing both Besigye’s medical needs and the circumstances surrounding his continued detention.
Beyond Besigye’s individual situation, Saleh reportedly emphasised the importance of resolving political disagreements among different groups in Uganda. He expressed concern about allowing longstanding political divisions to continue affecting younger generations. According to him, meaningful engagement between different sides could help restore understanding, reduce tensions and create an opportunity for a more united country.
The latest development comes at a time when several government officials, opposition figures, religious leaders and other prominent Ugandans have reportedly been involved in consultations aimed at finding a possible political solution. Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao previously revealed that President Museveni had directed consultations involving people interested in the situations of Besigye and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago. State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs Balaam Barugahara has also confirmed that discussions concerning Besigye’s possible release are ongoing.
Although Saleh’s promise of a positive outcome within three to six months has raised expectations, no official release date or final agreement has been announced. Besigye’s supporters will now be waiting to see whether the intervention by Museveni’s brother, together with the involvement of Gen Muhoozi and other political leaders, will finally bring an end to his prolonged detention. For many Ugandans, the biggest hope is that the ongoing engagements will produce a lasting solution that allows Besigye to regain his freedom.
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