Winnie Byanyima Vows to Honor Besigye as a Hero Amid Threat of Execution by Museveni’s Regime

Winnie Byanyima, the wife of Dr. Kizza Besigye and Executive Director of UNAIDS, has voiced strong concerns about the fairness of her husband’s trial, describing it as a “travesty of justice.”

Byanyima accused President Museveni and his son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, of orchestrating a politically driven trial against Besigye and his associate, Obed Lutaale. She claimed the military court is under the control of Museveni and Muhoozi, making them both accusers and judges in the case.

“The head of the army, President Museveni’s son, has condemned Kizza Besigye to death by hanging and set a date and venue to execute him—before even giving him a fair hearing,” Byanyima wrote in a social media post.

Byanyima also criticized the charges against Besigye and Lutaale, describing them as fabricated and designed to suppress political dissent.

“President Museveni and his son run the military court. They are the accusers and the judges in this case against my husband,” she said.

Despite the grim situation, Byanyima pledged to continue advocating for human rights, equality, and justice in Uganda.

“I do not expect justice. I will bear witness to this travesty in the sham military court, and I will attend the hanging you have planned. Once it is done, I will honor and bury a true Ugandan and African hero,” she stated, concluding with the rallying cry, “Gakyali Mabaga.”

Dr. Kizza Besigye, a retired military officer and longtime critic of President Museveni, has faced numerous arrests and legal battles throughout his career. Along with Lutaale, he is currently being tried in a military court for allegedly possessing illegal firearms—a charge his supporters believe is baseless.

Byanyima’s concerns gained further traction after a tweet from General Muhoozi Kainerugaba appeared to mock Besigye and allude to a predetermined outcome.

“Dr. Besigye called me a clown and a coward,” Muhoozi tweeted. “The tree of traitors is waiting for him in Gulu. We will hang KB on Heroes’ Day. That is the best day for him to die. Afterward, we will arrest anyone who ever spoke ill of Afande Saleh in government.”

Human rights organizations and opposition leaders have condemned the use of military courts to try civilians, arguing that such trials violate constitutional and international human rights principles.

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have repeatedly urged Uganda to cease prosecuting civilians in military courts, stressing the need for judicial independence