GEN. SALIM SALEH REPORTEDLY LEADS TALKS TO SECURE BESIGYE’S RELEASE
Fresh reports indicate that a multi-faction committee coordinated by Gen. Salim Saleh has been established to negotiate a possible release of jailed opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye.
According to reports published by The New Vision, the initiative brings together figures from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), as well as other political and civic figures.
An opposition-appointed team is also reportedly being assembled to engage Saleh’s group as the two sides explore a possible political resolution to Besigye’s continued detention.
The reported talks follow comments made by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba on August 25, when he said Besigye’s matter would be handled by Gen. Saleh and claimed that President Yoweri Museveni had given Saleh authority to deal with the issue.
Besigye has been in custody since his arrest in Nairobi in November 2024 and is facing treason charges alongside Haji Obeid Lutale and UPDF Capt. Denis Oola. The prosecution alleges that they participated in meetings in Uganda and abroad as part of a plan to overthrow the government by force. The accused have denied the allegations.
The reported negotiations come as Besigye’s treason trial continues before the High Court, with the prosecution yet to complete its case.
However, the exact terms of the proposed negotiations, the conditions for any possible release and the timeline remain unclear.
There is currently no confirmed agreement announcing Besigye’s release or the withdrawal of the charges