Kenyan lawyer Ndegwa Njiru has strongly appealed to former National Resistance Army (NRA) bush war commanders and senior military officers to break their silence over the ongoing situation involving veteran Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye.
In a strongly worded open letter, Njiru accused the former NRA fighters of betraying their former colleague by remaining silent while Besigye faces legal challenges and health concerns.
The lawyer said the former commanders shared history, struggles and sacrifices with Besigye during the 1981–1986 bush war, arguing that their past relationship gives them a responsibility to speak out.
“Your silence is a betrayal,” Njiru wrote at the beginning of his appeal, calling on the former generals to reflect on the values they fought for during the liberation struggle.
Njiru addressed his message to several former NRA and UPDF commanders, including Gen. Salim Saleh, Gen. Mugisha Muntu, Gen. David Sejusa, Gen. Ivan Koreta, Gen. Kahinda Otafiire and Gen. Jeje Odongo.
Others mentioned in the appeal included Gen. Jim Muhwezi, Gen. Henry Tumukunde, Gen. Katumba Wamala, Gen. Charles Angina, Gen. Joram Mugume, Gen. Fred Tolit, Col. Steven Kashaka and Col. Samson Mande.
According to Njiru, these leaders witnessed the sacrifices made during Uganda’s liberation struggle and therefore have a duty to defend principles such as justice, fairness and the rule of law.
He argued that the treatment of Dr. Besigye has raised concerns among many Ugandans, especially regarding his legal battles and his current health condition.
Besigye, a former close ally of President Yoweri Museveni before becoming his strongest political challenger, has been facing charges in court while also battling serious health complications.
Njiru said the former bush war fighters should not remain silent during what he described as a critical moment in Uganda’s history.
The Kenyan lawyer urged them to publicly state their position on Besigye’s situation and demonstrate their commitment to justice and human rights.
He emphasized that speaking out would not mean interfering with court proceedings but rather showing concern for a former colleague and ensuring that legal processes are conducted fairly.
Njiru also suggested that the former commanders could accompany Besigye to court as a peaceful sign of solidarity.
He said such a gesture would send a message that former fighters still value the ideals of unity, accountability and fairness.
“The ideals of unity, accountability, and justice are tested not only in times of war but also in times of peace,” Njiru stated.
The lawyer said the current situation provides an opportunity for the former NRA commanders to remind Ugandans about the principles that guided their struggle decades ago.
The appeal comes amid growing public attention surrounding Besigye’s health after he collapsed during court proceedings and was later admitted to Mulago National Referral Hospital.
His supporters and political allies have continued demanding that he receives proper medical care and that his rights are respected throughout the legal process.
Njiru’s message has sparked debate among Ugandans, with many waiting to see whether any of the former military leaders addressed in the letter will respond publicly.
So far, none of the named former commanders had issued a public response to the appeal at the time of reporting.
Dr. Besigye’s relationship with the NRA leadership dates back to the bush war period, when he served as a medical officer and participated in the struggle that brought the National Resistance Movement to power in 1986.
The lawyer believes that history creates a special bond among the former comrades and that their voices could play a significant role during this difficult period.
