By Joseph Kiggundu
KAMPALA.The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has dismissed media reports that its top leadership is negotiating with Gen. Salim Saleh, a younger brother to President Museveni , for the release of detained veteran opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye, saying it has no instructions from him to pursue such negotiations .
In a statement addressed to party members, Harold Kaija, PFF’s deputy chief of cabinet for policy and communication, rejected a newspaper report alleging that negotiations had reached an advanced stage.
“That story is completely false and should be treated with the contempt it deserves,” Kaija said on Tuesday.
The denial follows reports that Saleh was coordinating an initiative involving political figures and eminent persons to secure Besigye’s release as his treason trial continues.
Ugandan media reported that a committee had been established to support the effort.
Kaija said senior PFF leaders had been unable to consult Besigye since his reported collapse during a court appearance in July.
“No senior PFF leader has been granted access to our Leader since the day he collapsed in court on 29th July 2026. We therefore cannot negotiate without his instruction,” he said.
PFF maintained that it would continue seeking Besigye’s release through the courts, saying he had been denied bail on four occasions.
“We shall continue to pursue all legal avenues available to us,” Kaija said.
The reported initiative followed remarks by the First Son and Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba in August, directing Besigye to Saleh if he wanted forgiveness.
Muhoozi said President Museveni had authorised Saleh to handle the matter.
PFF rejected the suggestion that Besigye should seek forgiveness, arguing that his case should be determined through the judicial process.
“The proceedings in court do not require us to beg or apologize,” Kaija said.
The party disputed the prosecution’s evidence and accused the State of interfering with the proceedings.
“Our demand is simple and clear: Let the State stop interfering in the legal process, or simply give up the case,” Kaija said.
The statement did not provide particulars of the alleged interference.
Besigye has been detained since November 2024, when he and his aide, Obeid Lutale, were taken from Nairobi to Uganda in circumstances their lawyers described as an abduction.
They initially appeared before the General Court Martial.
Besigye was charged with treason before a civilian court in February 2025 after the Supreme Court ruled that trying civilians in military courts was unconstitutional.
He faces trial alongside Lutale and UPDF Capt. Denis Oola over allegations that they participated in activities aimed at overthrowing the government by force.
The accused deny the allegations.