The Last Hope! Gen Saleh Seriously in Talks to Secure Release of Dr Kizza Besigye

High-level negotiations led by Gen Salim Saleh are reportedly underway to secure the release of jailed opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye, raising fresh hopes among his supporters.

According to reports, the talks began last week and involve senior figures from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) and the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). Saleh, who coordinates Operation Wealth Creation, is reportedly leading the government-side negotiations with support from a committee of eminent persons.

The discussions are said to bring together political leaders, religious figures and senior citizens in an effort to find a possible way forward. The opposition has also reportedly assembled a team to engage Saleh’s group, although details of the proposed terms and the timeline for any possible release remain unclear.

FDC deputy spokesperson Walid Mulindwa confirmed the negotiations, saying leaders of the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) had also discussed Besigye’s situation. He noted that the matter would feature on the agenda of an upcoming IPOD summit involving political party leaders.

However, the reported negotiations have exposed differences within the opposition. Some PFF members reportedly believe Besigye’s case should be resolved through the courts, while others support political engagement as a possible way to secure his freedom.

The talks follow earlier remarks by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who said Besigye’s situation would be handled by Saleh. On August 25, Muhoozi reportedly stated that Besigye should approach Saleh if he wanted forgiveness, adding that President Yoweri Museveni had given his brother authority to handle the matter.

Besigye has been in custody since his arrest in Nairobi, Kenya, on November 16, 2024, and subsequent transfer to Uganda. He faces treason charges alongside his aide Obeid Lutale and UPDF Capt Denis Oola. The accused deny the allegations that they participated in meetings to plan the overthrow of the government by force.

The reported negotiations come as Besigye’s trial continues before the High Court, where the prosecution is presenting its evidence. The case was adjourned to October 5, 2026, after a delay caused by the absence of State lawyers. It remains uncertain whether the discussions led by Gen Saleh will result in Besigye’s release or affect the ongoing court proceedings.