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Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi has expressed disappointment over online criticism he received after visiting jailed opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
Baryomunsi said many people attacked him on social media, questioning why he visited Besigye simply because he belongs to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
“The other day I went to check on Col Dr Kizza Besigye and a lot of people insulted me online saying, ‘You are an NRM person. Why had you gone to see him?’” Baryomunsi said.
“This backward politics needs to stop,” he added.
The minister said his duty goes beyond political differences because his role as Health Minister is to ensure that every Ugandan receives proper healthcare regardless of their political affiliation.
Baryomunsi explained that being a member of NRM does not stop him from showing concern for opposition leaders or any other Ugandan facing health challenges.
He said healthcare should not be politicised because illness affects people from all sides of the political divide.
The minister revealed that he is scheduled to meet President Yoweri Museveni and brief him about Besigye’s health condition.
“I am scheduled to meet the president and update him on Dr Besigye’s health because he is the one who appointed me the Minister of Health to look after the health of all Ugandans, those in NRM and those who aren’t,” he said.
Baryomunsi urged Ugandans to stop attacking each other based on political beliefs, saying people can disagree politically but still respect each other as citizens.
“Let us therefore stop this backward politics. Let us unite, even if we have divergent views on politics; we are all Ugandans and we all belong to one God,” he said.
The minister’s remarks come amid continued public debate over the health condition of Dr Kizza Besigye after he collapsed during court proceedings in Kampala.
Besigye was admitted to Mulago Hospital after falling ill during a High Court session on July 31, 2026.
Baryomunsi visited him at the hospital on August 7 and later said that the opposition leader was recovering.
However, Besigye’s wife Winnie Byanyima disputed claims that her husband had improved enough to be returned to prison.
Hours after the minister’s visit, Besigye was transferred from Mulago Hospital back to Luzira Prison.
Byanyima protested the decision, saying Besigye was still in a weak condition and could not walk, speak or take care of himself without assistance.
She said family members had been helping him eat and handle basic needs while he was receiving treatment.
Byanyima also questioned why Besigye was moved back to prison despite doctors reportedly recommending continued rehabilitation.
She claimed that a prison official who attended discussions with doctors and family members had acknowledged that Luzira Prison could not adequately support Besigye’s condition.
The transfer raised concern among Besigye’s supporters, who demanded more information about his health and treatment arrangements.
Meanwhile, Baryomunsi maintained that his visit was purely based on his responsibility as Minister of Health and not because of political interests.
He said every Ugandan deserves care and attention, whether they support NRM, opposition parties or have no political affiliation.
The minister insisted that Uganda needs to move away from political hatred and embrace a culture where people can support each other despite their differences.
