Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, met President William Ruto on Wednesday, September 23, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Byanyima used the meeting to raise concerns over Besigye’s abduction in Nairobi and his continued detention in Uganda.
She called on African leaders to speak out against political persecution, abductions and violations of human rights, while urging them to uphold the rule of law.
Winnie Byanyima and President William Ruto. Photo: Courtesy.
Byanyima also expressed support for Ruto’s role as the African Union (AU) Champion for Local Manufacturing of Medical Products.
She backed efforts to increase Africa’s capacity to produce medicines and health technologies locally, noting the need to strengthen the continent’s pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.
Besigye was abducted in Nairobi in November 2024 and subsequently taken to Uganda, where he was presented before a military court and charged with treason.
According to PLP Party leader Martha Karua, Besigye disappeared after leaving his hotel room for a meeting in Nairobi.
He had been scheduled to attend and speak at Karua’s book launch on November 17, 2024, but failed to appear.
Besigye has remained in custody at Luzira Maximum Security Prison in Kampala since his arrest.
