Dr. Kizza Besigye's Contribution to Yoweri Museveni and the National Resistance Army (NRA)
Before becoming President Yoweri Museveni's strongest political opponent, Dr. Kizza Besigye was one of his closest allies during the National Resistance Army (NRA) guerrilla war (1981–1986). Besigye played several important roles that contributed to the success of the rebellion which eventually brought Museveni to power in January 1986.
1. Joined the Bush War
After graduating as a medical doctor from Makerere University, Dr. Besigye joined Museveni's National Resistance Army (NRA) during the Bush War against the governments of Milton Obote and later Tito Okello. He became one of the early members of the rebellion.
2. Served as Museveni's Personal Doctor
One of Besigye's most important responsibilities was serving as Yoweri Museveni's personal physician throughout much of the guerrilla struggle. Besides treating Museveni, he also provided medical care to wounded NRA fighters operating in the bush.
3. Provided Medical Services to NRA Fighters
As one of the few qualified doctors within the rebel movement, Besigye organized medical treatment for injured combatants, treated illnesses in difficult field conditions, and helped maintain the health of fighters throughout the war.
4. Participated in the Liberation Struggle
Besigye was not only a doctor but also an active member of the NRA. He participated in the liberation struggle that culminated in the capture of Kampala in January 1986 and the establishment of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government.
5. Helped Build the New Government
After the NRA took power, Besigye served in several senior positions, including:
- State Minister for Internal Affairs
- Member of the National Resistance Council (NRC)
- Member of the Constituent Assembly that drafted Uganda's 1995 Constitution
- Senior military officer within the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF)
6. Military Leadership
Although trained as a physician, Besigye later held senior command responsibilities in the military, including leadership roles in logistics and engineering within the UPDF. He eventually attained the rank of Colonel.
7. Helped Organise the NRM
According to Winnie Byanyima, Besigye helped establish the political structures of the National Resistance Movement during its early years and contributed to organizing the movement after it took power.
8. Trusted Member of Museveni's Inner Circle
For many years after 1986, Besigye was regarded as one of Museveni's most trusted allies. Their close relationship began during the Bush War before they later fell out over governance, democracy, and corruption.
Why They Eventually Fell Out
Around 1999, Dr. Besigye publicly criticized the direction of the NRM government in a document titled "An Insider's View of How the NRM Lost the Broad Base." He argued that the movement had drifted away from its original ideals of democracy and accountability. The disagreement led to the end of his alliance with Museveni, and he became the president's main political challenger in multiple elections.
In summary, historical accounts broadly agree that Dr. Kizza Besigye made significant contributions to the NRA and the early NRM government as a medical doctor, Museveni's personal physician, military officer, government minister, and political organizer before later becoming one of President Museveni's most prominent critics.
