Winnie Byanyima, the wife to prominent opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and who is also the Executive Director of the United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), has broken silence on the health situation of her husband, who is receiving special medical care at Mulago National Referral Hospital after collapsing during the court session at the High Court in Kampala.
Byanyima expressed her concerns about the state of human rights violations in Uganda, highlighting that every human life has equal value regardless of their political views, adding that it should never be that people are indifferent when life is at risk.
“My hope today is simple: that he recovers, gains strength and receives the care that every Ugandan deserves. Besigye is entitled to the rights guaranteed by the Ugandan constitution. He has a right to life and proper medical care. These are not privileges, but they are rights for every Ugandan,” Byanyima said.
While speaking to journalists on Tuesday, August 4th, 2026, at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Byanyima added that the Constitution of Uganda should be respected and applied fairly, stating that if Besigye’s rights are ignored, then the rights of other Ugandans will not be respected.
“His rights are tied to other rights of Ugandans; let’s defend his rights as we defend the rights of other Ugandans,” she added.
While commenting on the rule of law, Byanyima said that it exists to protect every citizen regardless of their political orientation.
“The true measure of a nation is not how well it treats those in power but how it treats those who disagree with those in power,” she noted.
She, however, revealed that Besigye’s health has improved, adding that he can eat and recognize people around him. Byanyima also commended the Medical doctors at Mulago Hospital, family friends, and political supporters who have done their best to improve his health.
Meanwhile, the treason trial against Besigye is currently stalled at the High Court in Kampala and has been adjourned to August 18th, 2026, due to a medical emergency. On July 29th, 2026, Besigye collapsed in the courtroom dock while protesting the appointment of state lawyers.
