Mubarak Munyagwa, president of the Common Man’s Party (CMP), paid a solidarity visit to opposition stalwart Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Hajji Obeid Lutale, at Luzira Maximum Prison on Friday.
Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate, has been detained on treason-related charges since his abduction in Nairobi, Kenya, on November 16, 2024, marking more than 300 days in detention.
Munyagwa Honors Besigye as Political Mentor
Accompanied by his party’s Secretary General Moses Bigirwa and other officials, Munyagwa described Besigye as a central figure in Uganda’s democratic struggle.
“Dr. Kizza Besigye recruited all of us into this struggle. Before that, he was involved in the first revolution of this country in 1986, the war which brought Museveni into power. It’s unfortunate that his liberation efforts went in vain,” Munyagwa told journalists after the meeting.
Two-Hour Reflective Discussion
The opposition leaders held a private two-hour conversation, which Munyagwa described as reflective, focusing on Uganda’s political journey and the challenges facing opposition movements.
During the meeting, Munyagwa reaffirmed his pledge to release Besigye and all other political prisoners within 24 hours if he is elected president. He also demanded that the government grant Besigye his constitutional right to bail, noting:
“Besigye must enjoy his constitutional right of mandatory bail after spending over six months in prison. It’s unfortunate that he cannot get bail to this date.”
Besigye: A Symbol of Resistance
Besigye has long been viewed as a symbol of resistance against President Museveni’s administration, polarizing public opinion but earning admiration from supporters of democratic reforms. Munyagwa’s visit underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding political freedoms in Uganda.
Munyagwa to Launch Presidential Campaign
Munyagwa revealed that he will officially launch his presidential campaign on Monday, with his first rally scheduled for Tuesday in Kamuli District.
“We are going to unveil a comprehensive document outlining all our programs,” he said, signaling a high-stakes start to the 2026 campaign season.
Call to Action:
Do you think Munyagwa can secure Besigye’s release if elected? Share your thoughts and predictions for Uganda’s 2026 elections in the comments below!
