Byanyima Accuses Ugandan Govt of Human Rights Violations

Byanyima traced the persecution of Dr Besigye back to 2000, when he first announced his intention to challenge President Museveni in the presidential race.
Renowned human rights advocate Winnie Byanyima, wife of Dr Kizza Besigye and Executive Director of UNAIDS, has accused the Ugandan government of blatant human rights violations and disregard for the country’s constitution.
Speaking about the ongoing plight of opposition leaders Dr Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutale, Ms Byanyima made an emotional appeal for solidarity and support in their fight for justice.
"This regime, which has violated human rights and trampled on the constitution of Uganda, has now become so bold that it crosses borders to commit crimes in other countries," Byanyima said in an interview.
Byanyima traced the persecution of Dr Besigye back to 2000, when he first announced his intention to challenge President Museveni in the presidential race.
"When Dr. Besigye first declared that he was going to run for president, the reaction of President Museveni was just extreme. He called him a traitor and even threatened to put him six feet under," she revealed.
Since then, Dr Besigye has faced repeated arrests, court battles, and persecution.
"We've seen Dr Besigye criminalized time and time again, dragged before the court-martial, and exonerated by courts only to face more charges. He was once the most arrested man in the Guinness Book of Records," Byanyima noted.
She argued that the regime’s emboldened stance has now extended beyond Uganda’s borders, prompting international condemnation.
"Today, this regime that has been violating human rights here in Uganda and breaching the constitution has stepped across borders to commit crimes in another country. That is why there’s international solidarity, with lawyers from Kenya, Nigeria, the United States, Angola, Venezuela, and Tanzania coming together to stand in solidarity."
Byanyima called on the public to support the legal defense of Dr. Besigye and Hajji Lutale, urging Ugandans to contribute financially.
"If you want to stand by Dr Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutale, if you want them to have a strong legal team that’s well-facilitated, and if you want to support the fight for the rule of law, democracy, and human rights, send your contribution to Honourable Wafula Oguttu," she said.
She emphasized that even small contributions could make a difference.
"Call 0756-200060. Any amount, even as little as Shs5,000 or Shs1,000 shillings, is welcome. This is about defending two men whose crime is disagreeing with President Museveni and trying to organize a party that can contest. The charges against them are fabricated. This is about criminalizing opposition."
Byanyima concluded with a call for unity in defending democracy.
"International lawyers are uniting to stop the drift away from democracy and the rule of law. This is a fight for justice, and together, we can ensure that Uganda remains a nation governed by its constitution and democratic principles," she said.
Her comments come as legal proceedings against Besigye and Lutale continue to attract national and international attention. Critics accuse the government of weaponizing the judiciary to suppress opposition voices, while civil society groups and legal experts advocate for their release and fair treatment.