Byanyima Slams President Museveni Over Church Interference

Winnie Byanyima staunchly defends Kampala Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere against claims of yielding to state pressure over the postponed prayer mass for her detained husband, Kizza Besigye. 

Kampala High Court buzzed with tension on Tuesday as Winnie Byanyima, wife of jailed opposition stalwart Dr. Kizza Besigye, addressed journalists following her husband’s latest court appearance.

She firmly rejected swirling social media allegations that Kampala Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere had buckled under government pressure to scrap a planned special mass at Rubaga Cathedral.

The mass, set for Monday afternoon, was meant to offer prayers for Besigye—detained for over a year on treason charges—and fellow political prisoners, alongside calls for their well-being and justice.

It was abruptly deferred, sparking outrage among supporters who gathered anyway for informal hymns and supplications led by Byanyima herself.

Speaking candidly, Byanyima praised the Archbishop’s resolve. “The Catholic Church stands strong. I am very proud of our Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere,” she declared. “He stood up strong. When President Museveni called him to cancel the mass, the Archbishop told him, ‘This will backfire on you. You should not enter the space of the church.’”

Byanyima recounted how the President allegedly contacted the Archbishop, citing intelligence suggesting the gathering could morph into political mobilization.

In response, Museveni reportedly requested a postponement for “a few days” to probe the event’s “true intentions,” with a follow-up promised by Friday.

She did not mince words on the broader implications: “Gen Museveni and his son have decided that they control our lives, including our spiritual lives. Let me tell them this: they will never control our spiritual lives.”

Byanyima emphasized that the Archbishop held his ground initially, urging against interference in sacred matters, which prompted Museveni to relent temporarily. The church leader now awaits the President’s investigation outcome and further word.

Undeterred, Byanyima reaffirmed her personal commitment. “This is my faith. I was baptized in this church. I was married there. And I want to pray there. For the President to think he can stop me from praying for my husband in my church—he cannot stop me.”