Winnie Byanyima, wife of detained Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye, has defended her decision to meet President William Ruto in New York, saying she can engage African leaders on health matters while continuing to press for answers over Besigye's detention. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA, on September 23, 2026. Byanyima said the meeting gave her an opportunity to discuss Africa's ability to make its own medicines and health technologies, as well as raise concerns over Besigye's continued detention.
Besigye was reported missing on November 16, 2024, while in Nairobi for the launch of a book by former Kenyan Justice Minister Martha Karua. Amnesty International said he resurfaced on November 20, when he was brought before the General Court Martial in Kampala, where he was charged alongside his colleague Haji Obeid Lutale. Byanyima has maintained that Besigye was abducted by Ugandan security officials after he was last seen in Nairobi. The Kenyan government has previously denied taking part in his abduction.
Byanyima's meeting with Ruto attracted criticism from some Kenyans, who questioned how she could engage the Kenyan government while still seeking answers about Besigye's disappearance. However, Byanyima said the criticism would not stop her from meeting leaders as she pursues her work on global health and efforts to strengthen Africa's ability to respond to health emergencies. She said she has evidence that Besigye was abducted by four Ugandan security officials.
Byanyima also reiterated her demand for Besigye's release, alongside other political prisoners held in Uganda. "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." She recognised the concerns being raised in Kenya about the circumstances surrounding Besigye's disappearance, saying Kenyans are right to demand answers about whether their security agencies played any role in his abduction.
At the same time, Byanyima expressed her support for President Ruto's work as the AU Champion for Local Manufacturing of Medical Products. "Africa must produce more of the medicines and health technologies we need," she said in a post on X. Byanyima's engagement with governments, businesses and other leaders would continue as she works on ending AIDS and Ebola, preparing for future pandemics and advancing Africa's health sovereignty.
The meeting between Byanyima and Ruto has sparked a renewed debate about the complexities of engaging with leaders while advocating for human rights. Byanyima's stance has been that she will not be deterred from meeting leaders in her pursuit of global health goals and human rights. She will continue pushing for the release of Besigye and other political prisoners despite the criticism surrounding her meeting with Ruto.
Byanyima's work on global health and human rights has been recognised globally. As the wife of detained opposition leader Kizza Besigye, she has been a vocal advocate for his release and human rights in Uganda. Her meeting with President Ruto highlights the delicate balance between engaging with leaders and advocating for human rights.
Key points
- Winnie Byanyima met President William Ruto in New York to discuss Africa's health technologies and raise concerns over Kizza Besigye's detention.
- Besigye was abducted in Nairobi and later detained in Uganda, sparking concerns over the role of Kenyan security agencies.
- Byanyima will continue to engage with leaders and advocate for human rights, including the release of Besigye and other political prisoners in Uganda.
