Saleh Says He Intervened in Besigye’s Medical Care, Remains Silent on Release Talks

What the report says

Gen Salim Saleh, President Museveni’s brother and the chief coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation, said he personally intervened to improve the medical care of detained opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye after finding him in a critical condition. Speaking to more than 100 MPs, mostly from the ruling National Resistance Movement, at Kapeeka in Nakaseke District, Saleh said he was prompted by an X post from his nephew, Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and later arranged for Besigye to be moved to the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC) in Lubowa.

According to the Nile Post report, Saleh said he visited Besigye and was alarmed by his condition, but he did not confirm media claims that he was leading negotiations for Besigye’s release. He instead spoke in broad terms about helping to reduce political tensions and avoid passing “generational quarrels” to younger people.

The comments come amid continued attention on Besigye’s detention and health. He was transferred from Luzira Prison to JCRC in August for medical attention, while Uganda Prisons Service later confirmed the move. The report also notes that recent claims of talks involving government and opposition figures have been denied by Besigye’s political allies and by his wife, Winnie Byanyima. Besigye remains on remand on treason charges, which he denies, in a case before the High Court Criminal Division.