PFF Denies Involvement in Besigye Release Negotiations

Reports suggesting that negotiations are underway for the release of opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye have been vehemently denied by the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF). The party’s acting president, Michael Lulume Bayigga, stated that neither the PFF nor any of its known members have participated in any such discussions with the government.

Bayigga, along with Dr. Ebuku Ekwaru, visited Dr. Besigye at a military health facility on Saturday, October 17th, following an invitation from the detained leader. According to Bayigga, Besigye is conscious and able to communicate, albeit with difficulty due to his medical condition. He reportedly uses an alphabet board to converse and is undergoing speech and physical therapy.

During the visit, Dr. Besigye sought to clarify media reports about potential negotiations for his release. He conveyed that no government officials or their representatives had approached him to discuss such matters. “PFF has never been invited, never quoted, involved in any such negotiations at all, not even any party member that we know,” Bayigga affirmed.

The PFF acting president emphasized that Dr. Besigye’s immediate objective is to secure bail to receive essential medical treatment. Following his recovery, he intends to return to court to face the charges leveled against him. Bayigga reiterated Besigye’s stance that bail is a legal matter to be decided by the judiciary, not through clandestine negotiations.

Furthermore, Besigye reportedly believes that any significant dialogue concerning Uganda’s future should be a structured process involving all stakeholders, rather than a narrow focus on specific individuals or groups. The PFF stands by Besigye’s position, asserting their complete detachment from any release negotiations.

This information was reported by Nile Post.