Tumukunde seeks to mediate Museveni–Besigye political rift

• Gen. (Rtd) Henry Tumukunde has offered to mediate between President Yoweri Museveni and Dr. Kizza Besigye to address long-standing tensions, particularly over allegations of a threat to the President’s life linked to treason and espionage charges against Besigye.
• While Museveni believes in the authenticity of a recording implicating Besigye, the opposition leader denies the claims. 

Former presidential hopeful Gen. Henry Tumukunde has proposed to facilitate discussions between political rivals, President Museveni and Dr. Col. Kiiza Besigye. It is important to highlight that Besigye has been incarcerated since December of last year on charges of treason and espionage.

He has made multiple court appearances, the latest being last week to seek bail, but this has frequently been denied, particularly given the severity of the accusations against him.

Tumukunde mentioned that the issues between the two are not a recent development. However, he emphasized that they are not personal enemies, but rather political adversaries.

The Parliamentary aspirant from Rukungiri District stated that he understands President Museveni’s belief that Besigye aimed to assassinate him, a charge that Besigye refutes. This stems from alleged evidence of a recording in which Besigye is purportedly seeking arms to take control of the government.

Tumukunde expressed confidence that he is uniquely positioned to bring Museveni and Besigye together to address this issue. He stated that both politicians should consider discussing the specific matter of ‘threat to life,’ and if they agree to do so, he is willing to mediate their conversation.

“I believe I am the only individual brave enough to address this issue and I encourage both men to resolve this matter peacefully. What I was unaware of is the recording that allegedly features Dr. Besigye requesting weapons to pose harm to President Museveni. While the President believes in its authenticity, Besigye denies it. Therefore, they should agree to meet and discuss this particular issue that involves a threat to life. If they can reach an accord, I would be ready to mediate their discussions,” he remarked.

Tumukunde, who has also faced challenges with President Museveni in the past and spent time in prison on treason charges, stated that if the two leaders choose to talk, it does not imply they must align politically or join forces.

They simply need to address this concern, which he views as beneficial for the democratic process in Uganda as well as for the country’s stability.