Senior Presidential Advisor and Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) chief Gen. Salim Saleh has assured Ugandans that detained opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye is receiving high-quality medical care at the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC), comparable to the treatment he would receive himself.
Saleh made the revelation on Friday, October 30, 2026, while addressing members of the NRM Parliamentary Caucus at Kapeeka, where he spoke about his intervention following concerns over Besigye’s deteriorating health while in detention.
“The care and attention being given to Dr. Besigye is the same I would receive. He is now at the Joint Clinical Research Centre,” Saleh said.
The senior presidential advisor reportedly became concerned about Besigye’s condition after visiting him in detention and finding him in a critical state, which he described as being “almost dead.”
Besigye, a former bush war comrade of President Yoweri Museveni and Gen. Saleh, has been facing treason charges since late 2024. His health reportedly deteriorated while in detention, with his condition drawing increased public attention after he collapsed in court in July 2026.
He was subsequently transferred from Luzira Prison to the Joint Clinical Research Centre in August following Saleh’s intervention.
Saleh’s latest remarks come amid renewed discussions about Besigye’s prolonged detention and the possibility of finding a political resolution to his case.
The OWC boss also expressed optimism that the matter could be resolved within three to six months, suggesting that a peaceful settlement could help prevent deeper divisions and generational conflicts.
His comments followed a social media post by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, which reportedly prompted Saleh to address the issue.
