Winnie Byanyima Gives Verdict on Her Political Ambition, Warns of Crisis If Museveni Won’t Step Down

UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima has ruled out a presidential bid, stating that her focus is on promoting a peaceful leadership transition in Uganda. Speaking on NBS Television, she emphasized her desire to help resolve the country’s political impasse rather than seek office herself.

Byanyima expressed concern over Uganda's failure to achieve a peaceful transfer of power since independence. She highlighted that continued leadership without transition undermines national progress and could push the country into deeper political instability.

She criticized President Yoweri Museveni’s long rule, arguing that holding onto power stifles development. With Museveni approaching four decades in office, Byanyima said Uganda must confront the consequences of political stagnation.

The Executive Director condemned the government’s treatment of opposition figures, referencing her husband, Dr. Kizza Besigye’s imprisonment and the persistent harassment of National Unity Platform leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine).

Byanyima described Besigye as resilient and principled. Despite repeated arrests, she said he remains committed, law-abiding, and unshaken in his quest for political reform in Uganda.

On the 2026 general elections, she expressed pessimism, predicting they would be marred by violence and vote-buying, as previous polls have been. She said the country is stuck in a cycle of leadership refusal to step down.

She emphasized the need for national dialogue involving all political players, endorsing coalitions and inclusive discussions as a path forward. Byanyima said she would actively support such efforts for Uganda’s future.

Appealing directly to President Museveni, Byanyima urged him to stop criminalizing dissent and instead engage in open dialogue with opposition leaders, warning that suppression only fuels unrest.

She also criticized election-related violence, stating it betrays the ideals the ruling NRM once upheld. “That’s what we went to the bush for,” she remarked, stressing the need for peaceful political processes