By Sekaggya Seka Moses
Veteran Ugandan politician and four-time presidential candidate, Dr. Kizza Besigye, has gone missing, sparking widespread concern.
His wife, Winnie Byanyima, a prominent international figure, has accused the Ugandan government of unlawfully detaining him.
She alleges that Besigye was abducted last Saturday in Nairobi, where he attended the book launch of Hon. Martha Karua.
Byanyima took to her verified X account to demand her husband’s immediate release from military detention in Kampala, where she claims he’s being held.
“I request the government of Uganda to release my husband, Dr. Kizza Besigye, from where he is being held immediately,” she stated.
Besigye, known for his consistent online presence, has been inactive on social media since his last post four days ago, celebrating the Uganda Cranes’ qualification for the 2026 African Nations Cup.
His disappearance has raised fears for his safety and that of his companion, who was with him at the time.
This incident follows the July arrest of 36 Ugandan activists linked to Besigye in Kisumu, Kenya. They were deported, charged with treason, and later released on bail.
Besigye has been a vocal opponent of President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986. He has run against Museveni in four presidential elections, losing each time amidst allegations of electoral irregularities.
