By Joseph Kiggundu

Senior Presidential Advisor and Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) chief Gen. Salim Saleh has defended the medical care being provided to detained opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye, assuring Ugandans that he is receiving treatment of the same standard he would personally expect.

Saleh made the remarks on Friday, October 30, 2026, while speaking to members of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Parliamentary Caucus at Kapeeka. He addressed concerns surrounding Besigye’s health and explained his personal involvement in efforts to secure medical attention for the opposition leader.

According to Saleh, Besigye is currently receiving treatment at the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC), where medical professionals are attending to his condition.

He said his concern intensified after visiting Besigye in detention and finding him in an extremely poor state of health, which he described as being almost dead.

Saleh, who fought alongside Besigye and President Yoweri Museveni during the liberation war, said the opposition figure was entitled to proper medical attention, regardless of their political differences.

Besigye has been in detention since November 2024, facing treason-related charges. His health has remained a subject of public concern, particularly after he reportedly collapsed during court proceedings in July 2026.

Following concerns about his condition, Besigye was transferred from Luzira Prison to the Joint Clinical Research Centre in August 2026 after Saleh intervened.

The latest assurance comes amid growing debate over Besigye’s continued detention, his health and calls for a possible political settlement to the case.

Saleh expressed hope that the matter could be resolved within three to six months, arguing that a peaceful outcome would help prevent further political divisions and tensions between generations.

His remarks followed a social media post by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, which reportedly triggered renewed attention to Besigye’s situation and prompted Saleh to comment on the matter.