Addressing journalists on Tuesday at her home in Kasangati, Byanyima accused the government of detaining Besigye not because of any criminal wrongdoing, but because he was aware of — and openly opposed — what she described as a secret power-sharing arrangement at the highest levels of government.
According to Byanyima, President Museveni is seeking to secure his political legacy by formally bringing his son into the centre of state power, potentially through constitutional changes backed by Parliament.
“President Museveni has a plan in this term to rule this country together with his son,” Byanyima said.
“Dr Besigye knows about this plan and he does not agree with it. That is why he is in prison.”
She dismissed the treason charges facing Besigye as politically manufactured, arguing that the case was designed to eliminate a long-time critic rather than uphold the rule of law.
Byanyima said her husband’s imprisonment sends a chilling message to those who question the direction the country is taking.
Byanyima further warned that Uganda could be heading into a difficult political phase, claiming the President’s advanced age has heightened concerns over succession and continuity of power.
“The next five years will be extremely challenging,” she said.
Byanyima further warned that Uganda could be heading into a difficult political phase, claiming the President’s advanced age has heightened concerns over succession and continuity of power.
“The next five years will be extremely challenging,” she said.
“President Museveni realises that he is aging. His plan is to entrench power by governing with his son, and he may attempt to change the Constitution to legitimise this arrangement. He is counting on Parliament to support him.”
Succession debate intensifies
The allegations have reignited long-standing debate over succession politics in Uganda. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the President’s son and a senior military officer, has in recent years taken on an increasingly public role, often making political statements that spark national and regional debate.
While the government has repeatedly denied claims of a dynastic succession plan, critics argue that Muhoozi’s prominence within state affairs, combined with recent political developments, suggests a deliberate effort to prepare him for a central leadership role.
Opposition figures and civil society groups have previously warned that such a move would undermine democratic principles and concentrate power within a single family.
Besigye’s health raises alarm
Byanyima’s remarks come amid growing concern over Besigye’s health following reports that he was rushed from Luzira Upper Prison to a medical facility at Bugolobi Village Mall earlier this week under heavy security.
She told journalists that her husband began experiencing severe stomach pain over the weekend, which later escalated into a fever. By Monday night, his condition had reportedly worsened significantly.
“I rushed there and found him on intravenous treatment,” Byanyima said. “He told me he could not walk and had to be wheeled into the facility.”
According to her, doctors found Besigye to be severely dehydrated and subjected him to a series of medical tests, the results of which were still pending at the time.
Succession debate intensifies
The allegations have reignited long-standing debate over succession politics in Uganda. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the President’s son and a senior military officer, has in recent years taken on an increasingly public role, often making political statements that spark national and regional debate.
While the government has repeatedly denied claims of a dynastic succession plan, critics argue that Muhoozi’s prominence within state affairs, combined with recent political developments, suggests a deliberate effort to prepare him for a central leadership role.
Opposition figures and civil society groups have previously warned that such a move would undermine democratic principles and concentrate power within a single family.
Besigye’s health raises alarm
Byanyima’s remarks come amid growing concern over Besigye’s health following reports that he was rushed from Luzira Upper Prison to a medical facility at Bugolobi Village Mall earlier this week under heavy security.
She told journalists that her husband began experiencing severe stomach pain over the weekend, which later escalated into a fever. By Monday night, his condition had reportedly worsened significantly.
“I rushed there and found him on intravenous treatment,” Byanyima said. “He told me he could not walk and had to be wheeled into the facility.”
According to her, doctors found Besigye to be severely dehydrated and subjected him to a series of medical tests, the results of which were still pending at the time.
She expressed frustration that the opposition leader had not been transferred to a better-equipped hospital sooner.
Besigye has since been returned to Luzira Prison and placed on medication, but Byanyima said she remains deeply concerned about his safety and access to proper medical care.
“My worry is not just political,” she said.
Besigye has since been returned to Luzira Prison and placed on medication, but Byanyima said she remains deeply concerned about his safety and access to proper medical care.
“My worry is not just political,” she said.
“It is humanitarian. He needs proper treatment, and prison facilities are not sufficient for his condition.”
Calls for accountability
Byanyima urged Ugandans to remain vigilant and speak out against what she described as the erosion of democratic values.
Calls for accountability
Byanyima urged Ugandans to remain vigilant and speak out against what she described as the erosion of democratic values.
She warned that silencing opposition figures through detention and intimidation risks plunging the country into deeper political instability.
She also called on Parliament, religious leaders, and international partners to scrutinise any attempt to alter the Constitution for political convenience.
“The Constitution belongs to the people of Uganda, not to one family,” she said.
She also called on Parliament, religious leaders, and international partners to scrutinise any attempt to alter the Constitution for political convenience.
“The Constitution belongs to the people of Uganda, not to one family,” she said.
“Any attempt to change it for personal or dynastic interests must be resisted.”
The government has not officially responded to Byanyima’s latest allegations. However, the claims are likely to intensify public debate over governance, constitutionalism, and the future of leadership in Uganda.
The government has not officially responded to Byanyima’s latest allegations. However, the claims are likely to intensify public debate over governance, constitutionalism, and the future of leadership in Uganda.
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