Uganda: Besigye Chants Disrupt Balaam's Anti-Corruption Rally in Rukungiri

What the report says

An anti-corruption rally in Rukungiri District, western Uganda, was interrupted when members of the crowd repeatedly chanted the name of detained opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye, according to Nile Post as distributed by AllAfrica. The gathering took place at Rukungiri Main Stadium and was organised by Minister of Local Government Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi to encourage residents and district leaders to fight corruption and improve delivery of government programmes.

What was meant to be a policy-focused event instead became a political moment, with the chants drawing attention to Besigye’s detention and broader public concern about his case. Balaam responded by urging calm and saying that talks were under way to secure Besigye’s release. He said the discussions were being led by Gen Salim Saleh, although no further details were given about who was involved or when any resolution might come.

Besigye remains a significant and often polarising figure in Ugandan politics, and the report suggests his detention continues to resonate beyond opposition circles. The episode also highlights how debates over political freedoms can surface even at government meetings focused on corruption and service delivery. The account did not indicate any confrontation, but it showed that the issue remains a live part of public discourse in Uganda.