Winnie Byanyima Sends Message to DPP Abodo Concerning Besigye's Bail Application

Winnie Byanyima, the wife of Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, has urged the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Jane Frances Abodo, not to oppose her husband's bail application.

In a statement on X, Byanyima decried Besigye’s prolonged detention, calling it unjust.

She reminded authorities that her husband was abducted from Nairobi nearly four months ago and initially detained by the army, which had claimed to possess sufficient evidence for a quick trial within a week.

However, she noted that the government is still gathering evidence and has failed to commence the trial.

“I urge DPP Jane Frances Abodo to support justice by not opposing Kizza Besigye’s bail application. His prolonged detention without trial is unjust. Kizza Besigye should be released and summoned if and when a case is prepared,” she wrote.

Besigye, a veteran opposition figure and four-time presidential candidate, has been a frequent target of arrests and political persecution.

His current detention has sparked criticism from human rights defenders and opposition supporters, who argue that the government is using the justice system to silence him.

The Ugandan government has yet to respond to Byanyima’s plea. Meanwhile, pressure continues to mount on authorities to either produce credible charges against Besigye or release him unconditionally.

His bail application remains a key test for Uganda’s judicial independence and respect for human rights.