UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima has ruled out any bid for the presidency, saying her priority is to promote a peaceful transition of leadership in Uganda.
“I am less interested in running for office (President). I am more interested in helping to sort out this political stalemate,” she said in an interview on NBS Television on Thursday.
Byanyima said Uganda’s lack of a peaceful handover since independence remains a serious concern.
“Uganda will be better if we get a peaceful transition of power,” she noted, warning that continued suppression of alternative voices could plunge the country into further crisis.
With President Yoweri Museveni nearing four decades in office, Byanyima cautioned that clinging to power is blocking progress.
She decried the state’s treatment of opposition leaders, pointing to the imprisonment of her husband, Dr. Kizza Besigye, and the continued harassment of NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi.
“Right now, one of the political leaders, Kizza Besigye, who should be out there providing an alternative, is in jail. Another one, Robert Kyagulanyi, is constantly harassed, with his offices constantly raided. Why would anybody want to be part of this?” she said.
She described Besigye as unwavering despite repeated arrests. “He never changes. He is a law-abiding citizen and a very strong leader who doesn’t break even under persecution. He is as strong as ever and motivated,” she added.
Looking ahead to the 2026 polls, Byanyima expressed doubt that the elections will be free or peaceful.
“The next election will not be different from the past one. It will be violent and accompanied by a lot of bribery because we are stuck at a point where it’s time for the leader to leave but he doesn’t want to leave,” she said.
She voiced support for efforts to unite political actors and create space for dialogue.
“I would want to be involved in a serious national dialogue about the future of our country,” Byanyima stated, endorsing emerging coalitions and inclusive discussions.
She appealed to President Museveni to end the criminalisation of dissent.
“I encourage President Museveni not to take the path he is taking of criminalising his Opposition, but instead to dialogue with them,” she said.
On election-related unrest, she warned that violence undermines the ideals the ruling NRM once stood for.
“It is worrying when you see violence in the run-up to an election. It’s just not right. There is no need for violence. That’s what NRM stands for. It’s what we went to the bush for,” she said.