East African Gazette
Kampala
Retired Col. Dr. Warren Kizza Besigye, a former close associate and personal physician to current leader Gen. Kaguta Yoweri Museveni until 2001, has dismissed the rumors and speculations circulating in political circles regarding his potential comeback ahead of the 2026 Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
Besigye, who is now regarded as a prominent opposition figure, emphasized that he has no intentions of running for the highest position in the country again.
He even hinted at his plans to retire from active politics.
Renowned for his distinctive voice and for being the first member of the National Resistance Army (NRA) to challenge his boss in 2001, Besigye previously served as State Minister for Internal Affairs, when they had just taken over power in 1986.
He later held the positions of Minister of State in the President’s office and National Political Commissar, and in 1991, became commanding officer of the mechanized regiment in Masaka, central Uganda, while in 1993 he was appointed the army’s chief of logistics and engineering.
He is also the founding president of the FDC.
When he contested against Museveni four times in the past (in 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2016), Besigye always emerged the main contender.
Besigye made the bold decision to challenge Gen. Museveni, claiming that his government had deviated from the original agenda that led them to take up arms and overthrow the previous administrations of the Late Dr. Milton Obote and Gen. Idi Amin Dada.
President Museveni led a guerrilla war in 1981 against Obote and assumed power in 1986.
He has been the President of Uganda ever since.
After four unsuccessful attempts against his boss, Besigye refused to participate in the 2021 elections, stating that elections had lost significance.
Instead, he announced his adoption of “Plan B,” a strategy aimed at removing his nemesis, Museveni, from the State House.
To validate his statement, he permitted the party to endorse another candidate, Patrick Amuriat, the party president, who suffered a significant defeat.
Some party members pointed fingers at Besigye for the defeat, citing his lack of campaign efforts toward s Amuriat.
Subsequently, the situation took a different turn as the party split into two factions, with Amuriat’s main party based in Najjanankumbi and another faction, led by the City Lord Mayor, operating from Besigye’s office in Katonga, Nakasero.
Lukwago’s faction has since forged a strong alliance with the National Unity Platform (NUP) and is also actively exploring the possibility of establishing their own party by appointing coordinators in various districts.
Nevertheless, political analysts speculate that this move by Besigye is a strategic step towards his candidacy in 2026.
However, addressing supporters during a consultative meeting in Bushenyi-Ishaka Town Council on March 6, 2024, at Kazinda playground, Besigye clarified that he would not be running again due to his advanced age.
If all goes well, Besigye will be celebrating his 70th birthday in 2026.
At the meeting, several FDC leaders expressed their support for the formation of a new party and urged Besigye to return for the 2026 elections which turned down.
“I don’t agree with people who want me as a candidate in 2026 elections because I will have made 70,” he added.
Besigye instead emphasized the importance of immediate action by encouraging the youth to form groups and start mobilizing now instead of waiting for the 2026 elections.
Francis Mwijukye, the Buhweju County MP and a strong supporter of Besigye, highlighted the significance of the Katonga faction as the key pathway to State House, drawing parallels to historical events when the ruling government crossed the Katonga river and took over power.
Ingrid Turinawe, the former head of the party’s women’s league, along with other officials, publicly expressed regret for supporting Patrick Oboi Amuriat in the previous election, citing his subsequent betrayal.