Winnie Byanyima, wife of detained Ugandan opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye, has defended her decision to meet President William Ruto at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The meeting drew criticism from some Kenyans, who questioned why she would engage the Kenyan government while continuing to demand answers over her husband's disappearance from Nairobi. Byanyima said she understood the concerns but would continue engaging leaders in pursuit of her work on global health.
Byanyima's meeting with Ruto was part of her efforts to advance Africa's health sovereignty. She said she raised Besigye's continued detention during her meeting with Ruto, while also discussing Africa's capacity to manufacture medicines and health technologies. "Good to meet President William Ruto at #UNGA. 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," Byanyima said in a post on X.
Byanyima claimed that she had evidence that Besigye was abducted by four Ugandan security officials. "I have evidence that KB was abducted by four Ugandan security officials," she said. "He remains a prisoner in Uganda. I continue to call on the Ugandan government to end his persecution and free KB and all political prisoners." Besigye was last seen in Nairobi on November 16, 2024, before he was presented before a military court in Kampala four days later.
Amnesty International reported that Besigye was abducted in Nairobi and subsequently detained in Uganda. The Kenyan government has previously denied involvement in Besigye's abduction. However, Byanyima acknowledged the concerns raised in Kenya over the circumstances surrounding Besigye's disappearance. "Kenyans are right to demand answers about whether their security agencies played any role in his abduction. Their democracy gives them that right," she said.
Byanyima said she would continue her work with governments, businesses and other leaders on ending AIDS and Ebola, preventing future pandemics and advancing Africa's health sovereignty, while simultaneously pressing for the release of her husband and other political prisoners. She said her engagement with leaders would not prevent her from continuing to demand Besigye's release.
The meeting between Byanyima and Ruto has sparked a mixed reaction in Kenya. Some Kenyans have expressed concern over Byanyima's engagement with the Kenyan government, while others have supported her efforts to advance global health. Byanyima said she would continue to engage leaders in pursuit of her work, despite the criticism.
Byanyima's work on global health has been recognized internationally. She has been a vocal advocate for Africa's health sovereignty and has worked with governments and leaders to advance the continent's capacity to manufacture medicines and health technologies. Her meeting with Ruto was part of her efforts to build partnerships and advance global health.
Key points
- Winnie Byanyima defended her meeting with President William Ruto at the UN General Assembly in New York amid criticism from Kenyans.
- Byanyima raised Besigye's continued detention during her meeting with Ruto, while also discussing Africa's capacity to manufacture medicines and health technologies.
- Byanyima claimed that she had evidence that Besigye was abducted by four Ugandan security officials and remains a prisoner in Uganda.
