Former presidential candidate and current NRM flag bearer aspirant for Rukungiri Municipality, Gen. Henry Tumukunde, has offered to mediate between President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, following the latter’s arrest in Kenya on treason charges.
Dr. Besigye, along with Obed Lutaale and others still at large, is accused of plotting to forcibly overthrow the government of Uganda.
According to court documents, the alleged conspiracy took place in several countries, including Switzerland, Greece, and Kenya. Besigye has reportedly been denied bail on three occasions due to the gravity of the charges.
In a video statement circulating on social media, Gen. Tumukunde described the long-standing political rivalry between Besigye and Museveni as a natural part of Uganda’s evolving democracy.
He stressed that the two leaders are “political opponents but not personal enemies,” adding that dialogue, not confrontation, should be the way forward.
“It is alleged that Besigye was soliciting for weaponry which could have caused harm to the President’s life, but this matter deserves dialogue,” Tumukunde said.
He expressed confidence in his ability to initiate talks given his own history of political disagreements with Museveni.
The retired general argued that bringing the two leaders together would help address not just political disputes but also issues relating to threats against life, and ultimately contribute to national stability.
“For the good of our country, the two leaders must sit at the same table and resolve their allegations against each other. Democracy grows when leaders choose dialogue over confrontation,” Tumukunde said.
He further urged Ugandans to draw lessons from other global conflicts, such as the Israel–Palestine situation, where dialogue has been pursued despite deep-rooted differences.
Tumukunde’s remarks have reignited debate over whether Uganda’s political divisions both in the opposition and within government can be resolved through honest dialogue rather than prolonged confrontation.
