Museveni plans to govern with son in this term – Winnie Byanyima

Byanyima claims her husband, Dr Besigye was imprisoned because he was privy to details about Museveni’s power-sharing plan including a possible constitutional amendment

UNAIDS Executive Director, Winnie Byanyima and wife to opposition leader Col Dr Kizza Besigye has alleged that President Yoweri Museveni intends to govern Uganda alongside his son during the 2026-31 presidential term.

Ms Byanyima claimed on Tuesday that this plan lies at the heart of her husband’s continued imprisonment.

Speaking to the press yesterday at her home in Kasangati, Byanyima Besigye was being detained because he was privy to, and opposed to, what she described as a covert power-sharing arrangement.

“President Museveni has a plan in this term to install his son so they can govern the country together. Besigye knows about that plan and he disagrees with it. This is why he is imprisoned,” Byanyima said.

She dismissed the treason charges facing the opposition figure as fabricated, insisting they were meant to neutralise a political threat rather than serve justice.

Byanyima further warned that Museveni could attempt to amend the Constitution to legitimise the alleged arrangement, arguing that the President, aware of his advanced age, was seeking to entrench his hold on power with the backing of Parliament.

Muhoozi Kainerugaba

“The next five years will be very challenging because it seems President Museveni’s plan, he realises that he’s aged,” she said.

“His plan is to govern the country with his son. He may attempt to change the constitution to that effect, and he’s banking on the parliament to support him”

Col Dr Kizza Besigye (L) his wife Winnie Byanyima and son Anselm

Health scare raises alarm

Her comments came amid heightened concern over Besigye’s health following reports that he was rushed from Luzira Prison to a medical facility at Bugolobi Village Mall on Monday night under heavy security.

Byanyima said her husband began suffering from severe stomach pain on Saturday, which later escalated into a fever.

“I rushed there and found him on IV,” she told journalists, adding that Besigye informed her he had been unable to walk and had to be wheeled into the facility. According to Byanyima, doctors found him severely dehydrated and conducted a series of tests, the results of which were still pending.

Byanyima said Besigye has since been returned to prison and placed on medication, but expressed deep concern about his welfare and access to adequate medical care.