Winnie Byanyima Sends Loving Message as Dr. Kizza Besigye Turns 69 in Jail
kakooza Peter
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Dr. Kizza Besigye marks with his wife Winnie Byanyima
As Uganda’s opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye marks his 69th birthday, his wife Winnie Byanyima shared a touching message, celebrating his life of courage and political struggle.
Dr. Besigye, a former presidential candidate and longtime critic of the government, is currently in prison after being denied bail by the High Court in Kampala. He has now spent over 140 days in detention.
In a heartfelt post on social media, Byanyima, who is also the Executive Director of Oxfam International, wrote:
“Happy birthday Kizza Besigye, my dearest friend and partner for the last 32 years! You are 69 today. What a life of courage, conviction, and sacrifice you have lived! Fighting for justice, freedom, and dignity for all Ugandans. I’m proud to walk with you. Here’s to love, purpose, and the difficult road ahead. We shall overcome.”
Her message highlighted both their personal bond and their shared mission for democracy, justice, and human rights in Uganda.
Besigye and Haji Obed Lutale were arrested in November 2024 reportedly abducted from Nairobi, Kenya, by military forces. They were later charged with illegal firearm possession and disturbing public order. The firearm charge was dropped, and their case was shifted from a military court to the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Nakawa following a Supreme Court ruling that limited military courts from trying civilians.
Despite hopes of their release, the High Court, led by Justice Rosette Comfort Kania, denied bail on April 10, 2025. Although Besigye’s sureties were acceptable, the judge claimed the case was serious and feared he could interfere with investigations.
Their lawyer, Erias Lukwago, said they will not appeal the decision but plan to file another bail application and seek help from both local and international legal bodies.
Before the court’s decision, Winnie Byanyima expressed hope for her husband's return, saying, “We can’t wait to welcome home our loved ones.” After the ruling, she called the continued detention unjust and unnecessary, stressing that neither Besigye nor Lutale posed a flight risk.
Also read: Byanyima’s Hope Shattered as Besigye Denied Bail this Friday
Supporters and human rights activists have condemned the arrest and detention, saying the charges are politically motivated. Many believe the government is using the legal system to silence voices of dissent.
Besigye is seen as a symbol of the fight for democracy, while Lutale is respected for his civic activism. Human rights defenders continue to push for fair treatment, justice, and freedom for all political detainees in Uganda.
