Winnie Byanyima has renewed calls for detained opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye to receive the same access to medical treatment and family support available to other Ugandans.
Byanyima, who heads UNAIDS and is married to Besigye, raised the issue in a social media post responding to President Yoweri Museveni’s comments about the care given to First Lady Janet Museveni during her treatment in South Africa.
She questioned why Besigye has not been allowed to travel to Geneva for specialised medical attention and support from his family.
“President Museveni thanks South Africa’s medical team and his family for caring for his wife, yet denies Kizza Besigye the same opportunity to return to Geneva for medical treatment and family support,” Byanyima wrote.
She also argued that Besigye should be treated as innocent unless a court determines otherwise.
“Besigye is innocent unless proven guilty. He deserves the same rights as the President’s family and every Ugandan,” she said.
Byanyima said access to healthcare and legal protection should not depend on a person’s political position or social standing. She urged the authorities to ensure that all citizens can receive appropriate medical care and remain in contact with their families.
Her comments followed President Museveni’s public appreciation of the doctors and relatives who helped Janet Museveni during her illness and recovery.
The statement has added to ongoing concerns about Besigye’s health and conditions while in detention. His supporters and human rights advocates have repeatedly called for him to receive specialised treatment and greater access to his family.
Byanyima ended her message by urging the government to uphold equal treatment for all Ugandans, saying every citizen deserves equal rights, dignity, medical care and protection under the law.
