A social media message by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has reportedly played a major role in reconnecting Gen Salim Saleh with jailed opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye after years of political separation. Saleh says the unexpected assignment gave him an opportunity to reach out to a former colleague with whom he had lost contact because of their political differences.

Speaking to heads of parliamentary committees in Kapeeka, Nakaseke District, Saleh revealed that Muhoozi sent him a message on August 25, 2026, telling him that Besigye’s problem was now his responsibility. The message reportedly asked Saleh to take charge of addressing the opposition leader’s situation.

Saleh said he initially contacted Muhoozi to confirm whether he was serious about the instruction. After receiving confirmation, he accepted the responsibility, explaining that the assignment presented an unexpected opportunity to reconnect with Besigye, whom he had not spoken to for years.

“He didn’t know that he had given me a very good opportunity because, because of politics, I had lost touch with Kizza Besigye completely,” Saleh reportedly said. His remarks suggest that the two men had been separated not necessarily by personal hostility but by the political disagreements that developed over the years.

Saleh said his first priority was to ensure that Besigye received proper medical attention while in custody. He revealed that he visited the opposition leader in hospital and arranged for him to be transferred from prison to the Joint Clinical Research Centre, where he could receive specialised treatment and stabilise before any serious discussions took place.

The retired general added that he wanted Besigye to regain his strength before they could begin discussing their political differences and the future of Uganda. He said the two have since maintained communication and are exploring ways of finding common ground, expressing hope that they could reach a shared understanding within three to six months.

Beyond the personal reconnection, Saleh said he wants to address Uganda’s wider political divisions and prevent younger generations from inheriting disagreements that have separated former comrades. He urged legislators to examine consociational democracy, a political arrangement that encourages different groups to share power and participate in national decision-making.

Besigye remains in custody over treason charges alongside his aide Obeid Lutale and Capt Denis Oola, following his arrest in Nairobi in November 2024. All three deny the accusations. Saleh’s renewed engagement has raised hopes of political dialogue, although he did not say whether the discussions would lead to Besigye’s release or influence his ongoing court case.