By Aggrey Baba
Ms.Winnie Byanyima, the head of UNAIDS, and wife to incacerated Dr. Kizza Besigye, finds herself in a storm, fighting to free her husband, while managing her global role. Besigye, a former presidential candidate, was recently arrested in Kenya and is now in Luzira Prison, accused of illegal gun possession and plotting to topple the government.
In an interview with Citizen TV Kenya, Byanyima shared how she juggles her demanding job and her fight for justice. She explained her decision to base herself in Kenya, saying, “Here, I feel safe while working to ensure my husband is tried fairly in a civilian court.” She firmly believes her husband was falsely accused and is being unfairly subjected to a military trial, which she calls unjust.
“In a military court, the standards of proof are too low compared to a civilian court,” Byanyima argued. “The chargesof illegal possession of guns and weakening security forces, are vague and baseless.”
Byanyima recounted how Besigye was taken from Kenya to Uganda. “He was bundled into a car by four men. Somewhere near Nakuru, they let their guard down and began speaking his language, not realizing he could understand them,” she revealed.
Despite these challenges, Byanyima remains determined. She also pointed out how President Museveni has little tolerance for opposing views, saying many former allies have either fallen out with him or quit politics altogether.
In her dual battle to lead a global health agency and fight for her husband’s freedom, Byanyima embodies the old saying: “When the storm rages, the strong keep rowing.” (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at [email protected]).
