Besigye's Wife Winnie Byanyima Meets President Ruto in New York [Details]

Ugandan Opposition leader Kizza Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, on Wednesday, September 23, met President William Ruto on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. 

In a statement, Byanyima said she used the opportunity to raise the issue of Besigye’s abduction in Nairobi and continued detention in Uganda.  

“I also raised the continuing persecution of Kizza Besigye. He was abducted in Nairobi in November 2024, forcibly taken to Uganda and has remained in detention since,” read the statement in part. 

Byanyima called on African leaders to speak out against what she described as political persecution, as well as to defend human rights and the rule of law.

“African leaders must speak out against abduction and political persecution, and for respect for human rights and the rule of law,” she stated. 

At the same time, Byanyima said she supports President Ruto’s work as the AU Champion for Local Manufacturing of Medical Products. 

“I strongly support his work as the AU Champion for Local Manufacturing of Medical Products. Africa must produce more of the medicines and health technologies we need,” she stated. 

Besigye was abducted in November 2024 in Nairobi and transported back to Uganda. 

According to PLP Party leader Martha Karua, the Ugandan opposition leader had left his hotel room for a meeting when he disappeared. 

"The driver waited for him in the basement parking from about 4:30 PM to late evening, until around 4:00 AM on Sunday when he gave up and left, having received no response to his several messages.  

"Hon. Kizza Besigye was scheduled to attend and speak at Hon. Martha Karua’s book launch on Sunday, the 17th of November, where he was a no-show," Karua said.

The Ugandan politician was later presented to a military court and charged with treason. 

Besigye has remained detained at the Luzira Maximum Security Prison in Kampala since he was apprehended.