The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has rejected reports that its senior leaders are engaged in advanced negotiations with Gen Salim Saleh over the release of opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye.
In a statement to PFF members, the party’s Secretary General Harold Kaija dismissed the reports as false, saying no senior party official had been granted access to Besigye since he collapsed in court on July 29, 2026.
Kaija said the lack of access to Besigye made it impossible for PFF leaders to negotiate any agreement concerning his release without his knowledge or instructions.
“Our attention has been drawn to a headline carried by the government newspaper over the weekend, alleging that Gen. Salim Saleh is in advanced talks with PFF leaders over the release of our Leader, Dr. Kizza Besigye,” Kaija said.
“That story is completely false and should be treated with the contempt it deserves,” he added.
The statement comes amid reports that Gen Saleh, President Yoweri Museveni’s brother, has become central to efforts aimed at finding a possible political resolution to Besigye’s continued detention.
Reports had suggested that individuals linked to different political groups were exploring dialogue around Besigye’s case. However, Kaija’s statement indicates that PFF does not recognise such discussions as negotiations on behalf of Besigye.
Kaija also maintained that the party would continue pursuing legal avenues to secure Besigye’s freedom. He said the opposition leader had applied for bail four times and had been unsuccessful on each occasion.
The PFF official rejected suggestions that Besigye’s release should involve an apology or an admission of wrongdoing, insisting that the party remains confident in his innocence.
“The proceedings in court do not require us to beg or apologise,” Kaija said, arguing that the evidence presented by the State was insufficient to secure a conviction.
He accused the government of interfering with the legal process and called for the State to either allow the case to proceed without interference or withdraw it.
“Our demand is simple and clear: Let the State stop interfering in the legal process, or simply give up the case,” Kaija said.
The statement further complicates reported efforts to resolve Besigye’s case through political engagement outside the courtroom.
Besigye remains involved in a court case in which he faces serious charges, while his continued detention has attracted concern from opposition politicians, lawyers and human rights advocates.
PFF’s position is that any decision concerning Besigye must involve the opposition leader himself, while the party intends to continue pursuing his freedom through available legal channels.