His wife, Winnie Byanyima posted a hearty message, praising him for his  “courage, conviction, and sacrifice”

“Happy birthday @kizzabesigye1, my dearest friend and partner for the last 32 years!,” she wrote.

“You are 69 today. What a life of courage, conviction, and sacrifice you have lived! Fighting for justice, freedom, and dignity for all Ugandans. I’m proud to walk with you.  Here’s to love, purpose, and the difficult road ahead. We shall overcome!”

Over at Besigye’s newly formed party, the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), colleagues and supporters marked the milestone with cutting cake.

The officials led by party president Erias Lugwao cuffed themselves as they cut the cake in Besigye’s absence.

They also celebrated the day with a tree planting.

On social media, many messages were shared wishing Dr Besigye a happy birthday.

Dr. Besigye, along with his aide Hajji Obedi Lutale Kamulegeya and Capt. Denis Oola—a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officer attached to the Armoured Brigade—are currently on remand in Luzira Prison. They face charges of treason and misprision of treason.

The charges were filed in the Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court after the Supreme Court barred the General Court Martial from trying civilians and security officers facing capital offenses. The three had initially been charged in the army court on allegations related to national security and treachery.

On April 11, 2025, High Court Judge Rosette Kania denied bail to Dr. Besigye and Hajji Lutale, despite the duo presenting substantial sureties and proving they had permanent residences within the court’s jurisdiction. 

Justice Kania ruled that the charges against them—allegedly committed in Kenya, Greece, Switzerland, and Uganda—were serious and that granting bail could compromise ongoing investigations.