On October 30, 2026, Gen. Salim Saleh, a prominent figure in Uganda's military, intervened in the case of Dr. Kizza Besigye, the leader of Uganda's opposition. Dr. Besigye has been in prison since December 2024, when he was arrested in Kenya on allegations of plotting to overthrow President Museveni's government. Gen. Saleh's intervention came after Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Uganda's Defence Forces, expressed concerns about Dr. Besigye's detention and potential trial in a military court.
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba had taken to social media on August 25 to state that he would resolve Dr. Besigye's case, which prompted Gen. Saleh to take action. Gen. Saleh, who is highly respected by Gen. Muhoozi, reportedly asked if the latter was still committed to his statement, and upon receiving confirmation, decided to intervene. Dr. Besigye was being held in a prison where his health was deteriorating, prompting concerns from his supporters and allies.
Gen. Saleh visited Dr. Besigye in prison and found him in a critical condition, after which he arranged for his transfer to the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC) in Uganda. According to Gen. Saleh, Dr. Besigye was on the verge of death when he arrived at the hospital. Gen. Saleh emphasized that his actions were motivated by a desire to save Dr. Besigye's life, stating that he could not stand by and watch his fellow politician die in prison.
Gen. Saleh, who is no longer an active member of Uganda's military, now works as a coordinator for a military-run civilian development agency. During a meeting with NRM politicians in Nakaseke on October 30, 2026, he urged them to avoid politics of sectarianism and emphasized that Dr. Besigye's case required a peaceful resolution. Gen. Saleh also hinted that while he was not seeking to meddle in Dr. Besigye's case, he hoped that a solution could be found in the near future.
Dr. Besigye has been facing trial in Uganda since his arrest in Kenya in December 2024. His detention has been a source of controversy, with many questioning the legitimacy of the charges against him. Gen. Muhoozi's comments on social media sparked widespread interest, with some calling for Dr. Besigye's release on humanitarian grounds.
Gen. Saleh's intervention in Dr. Besigye's case has been seen as a significant development in Ugandan politics. While Gen. Saleh's motives have not been publicly stated, his actions have been welcomed by Dr. Besigye's supporters, who have been campaigning for his release. The incident has also raised questions about the relationship between Uganda's military and the civilian population.
The case has sparked debate about the limits of military intervention in civilian affairs and the rule of law in Uganda. As Dr. Besigye receives medical treatment, his supporters and allies are watching closely to see how his case unfolds. Gen. Saleh's role in the case has added a new layer of complexity to an already contentious situation, with many stakeholders eagerly awaiting the outcome.
Key points
- Gen. Salim Saleh intervened in Dr. Besigye's case, rescuing him from prison for medical treatment.
- Dr. Besigye has been in prison since December 2024, facing allegations of plotting to overthrow President Museveni's government.
- Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba had expressed concerns about Dr. Besigye's detention, prompting Gen. Saleh's intervention.
