A social media post by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has reportedly helped reconnect Gen Salim Saleh with jailed opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye after years of separation caused by political differences. Gen Saleh says the unexpected assignment gave him an opportunity to rebuild a relationship with his former colleague.
Speaking to heads of parliamentary committees in Kapeeka, Nakaseke District, Gen Saleh revealed that Gen Muhoozi sent him a message on August 25, 2026, directing him to take responsibility for addressing Besigye’s situation. “Kizza Besigye’s problem is my problem. I am the one to sort it out,” Gen Saleh quoted the message.
He said he initially contacted Gen Muhoozi to confirm whether the instruction was serious, and the CDF reportedly confirmed that it was. Gen Saleh explained that he had completely lost touch with Besigye because of their political differences, making the assignment an unexpected opportunity to reconnect.
According to Gen Saleh, his first priority was to ensure that Besigye received proper medical attention. He said he arranged for the opposition leader to be transferred from prison to the Joint Clinical Research Centre, where he could receive specialised care. He wanted Besigye to stabilise before they began discussions about their political differences.
Gen Saleh said the two have since resumed communication and are exploring ways of reaching an understanding. He expressed hope that they could convince each other within three to six months and develop a shared vision for Uganda’s future. However, he did not confirm whether the discussions would lead to Besigye’s release or influence his ongoing court case.
Besigye has been in custody since November 2024, following his arrest in Nairobi, Kenya, and transfer to Uganda. He faces treason charges alongside his aide Obeid Lutale and Capt Denis Oola over allegations of plotting to overthrow President Yoweri Museveni’s government. The accused deny the charges. Besigye’s health also attracted attention after he collapsed during a court session on July 29, 2026, and was admitted to hospital.
The renewed engagement comes amid wider reconciliation efforts, with Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao confirming government-led attempts to resolve political differences. Gen Saleh also urged legislators to consider consociational democracy, a system that promotes power-sharing and cooperation among different political groups, arguing that dialogue could help reduce divisions that have affected Uganda for decades.
Reflecting on the history of the National Resistance Army, Gen Saleh questioned why some people who fought together to capture power in 1986 later became political opponents. He said the early government included members of the Democratic Party and other political groups, rather than being made up exclusively of NRA members. He hopes his renewed discussions with Besigye can help bridge old divisions and prevent younger generations from inheriting the political conflicts of the past.
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