Good News As Museveni’s Brother Gen Saleh Promises Release Of Kizza Besigye Within 3–6 Months

There could be renewed hope for the release of veteran opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye after retired General Salim Saleh revealed that ongoing efforts to resolve his detention could produce a positive outcome within the next three to six months. Saleh's remarks have raised fresh expectations among Besigye's supporters, who have been demanding his freedom.

Gen Saleh, who is the younger brother of President Yoweri Museveni, made the revelation while addressing Members of Parliament at Kapeeka in Nakaseke District. He disclosed that he had recently reconnected with Besigye after learning about his deteriorating health and decided to personally intervene in efforts to address his situation.

According to Saleh, his involvement followed a request from Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who reportedly asked him to take responsibility for handling Besigye's matter. Saleh said he welcomed the opportunity and was optimistic that the ongoing engagement would eventually produce a successful outcome.

“I recently reconnected with Dr Kizza Besigye after learning about his illness and visited him. Now that the CDF, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has asked me to handle his matter, I welcome the opportunity. In the next three to six months, we shall have a successful outcome,” Saleh reportedly said.

The retired general also revealed that he had helped arrange Besigye's transfer to the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC), where the opposition politician has been receiving specialised medical attention. His intervention reportedly came after he visited Besigye and found him in poor health, raising further concerns about the prolonged detention of the former presidential candidate.

Saleh explained that resolving the disagreements between different political groups was important, particularly to prevent younger generations from inheriting longstanding political conflicts. He expressed hope that the ongoing discussions would help different sides reach an understanding and build a more united Uganda.

The latest development comes amid wider consultations involving government officials, opposition representatives, religious leaders and prominent Ugandans seeking a possible political solution to Besigye's continued detention. Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao previously confirmed that President Museveni had directed consultations involving people with an interest in the situations of Besigye and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago. Minister Balaam Barugahara also recently confirmed that discussions concerning Besigye's release were underway.

Although Saleh's three-to-six-month timeline has raised hopes, no official release date or final agreement has been announced. Besigye's supporters will now be watching closely to see whether the intervention by Museveni's brother can finally bring an end to his prolonged detention and pave the way for his freedom.