Byanyima Says No Talks for Besigye’s Release as Pressure Mounts Over His Detention
UNAIDS chief Winnie Byanyima says her husband, opposition figure Kizza Besigye, is not negotiating for his freedom or pursuing a plea bargain. Her remarks come amid separate reports of political discussions involving senior figures over the possibility of resolving the long-running case.
KAMPALA, Uganda — UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima has rejected reports that her husband, opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye, is negotiating for his release, saying his freedom, health and legal rights should not be treated as matters for political bargaining.
Byanyima said Besigye has not entered into negotiations or a plea bargain and continues to maintain his innocence in the case against him.
Her comments come amid reports of discussions involving senior political figures over a possible political resolution to Besigye’s continued detention. Those discussions have reportedly involved people linked to the ruling National Resistance Movement and opposition circles.
Byanyima, however, said her focus remains on Besigye’s health, his right to bail and access to appropriate medical care.
Besigye has been in detention as he faces treason-related charges before the High Court in Kampala. He has denied the allegations.
The case has continued with the prosecution presenting evidence, including audio recordings and transcripts that it says are relevant to the charges.
During the latest proceedings, Makerere University lecturer Medadi Ssentanda testified about the preparation of transcripts from audio recordings. He told court that some sections were difficult to hear and that the transcription team did not attempt to fill in words that could not be clearly understood.
The defence has also questioned the accuracy and completeness of some of the transcripts being relied upon by the prosecution.
Meanwhile, Byanyima has continued to call for Besigye to be granted bail, citing concerns about his health and need for medical attention.
She has appealed to the court to schedule a hearing for his latest bail application, arguing that his continued detention should not prevent him from receiving appropriate medical care.
The competing developments have placed renewed attention on Besigye’s case, with reports of political discussions emerging alongside the ongoing court proceedings.
For Byanyima, however, the position remains unchanged: Besigye has not negotiated away his case or entered a plea bargain, and his immediate concerns are his freedom, health and right to due process.
Source DAILY MONITOR
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