Warren Kizza Besigye Kifefe, popularly referred to as Colonel Dr. Kizza Besigye, is a Ugandan medical doctor, seasoned politician, and former military officer in the Uganda People’s Defence Force. Born on April 22, 1956, in Rukungiri District, southwestern Uganda, Besigye has been a prominent figure in Uganda’s political landscape.
Kizza Besigye Profile
| Name | Kizza Besigye |
| Real Name | Warren Kizza Besigye Kifefe |
| Date of Birth | 22 April 1956 |
| Age | 68 years |
| Nationality | Ugandan |
| Occupation | Medical Doctor, Politician, and Former Military Officer |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Net Worth | $3 Million |
| Copied from | contents101.com |
Educational Background
Kizza Besigye was raised in Rwakabengo, Rukungiri District, and attended Kinyasano Primary School and Mbarara Junior School for his primary education. He pursued secondary education at Kitante High School and Kigezi High School in Kabale District. He enrolled at Makerere University in 1975, where he graduated with a degree in human medicine in 1980.
Career
Besigye began his career as a physician, working briefly at Mulago National Hospital before moving to Kenya. In Kenya, he practiced medicine at Aga Khan Hospital and Kenyatta National Hospital. He joined Yoweri Museveni’s National Resistance Army (NRA) in 1982, serving as Museveni’s personal physician during the bush war.
When the National Resistance Movement (NRM) assumed power in 1986, Besigye was appointed Minister of State for Internal Affairs. He subsequently served as Minister of State in the President’s Office and National Political Commissar, commanding officer of the mechanized regiment in Masaka, and Chief of Logistics and Engineering in the Uganda People’s Defence Force.
In 2001, Besigye transitioned from a military career to politics, becoming a vocal critic of Museveni’s administration. As the leader of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), he ran unsuccessfully for president in four consecutive elections: 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2016.
His campaigns focused on democratic reforms, human rights, and anti-corruption, earning him significant support but also government backlash. His opposition to government policies often led to arrests and confrontations with security forces. Besigye has also been vocal on human rights issues, including his opposition to Uganda’s controversial Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which he deemed unconstitutional and discriminatory.
Controversies
Besigye challenged the 2006 presidential election results in court, citing massive electoral fraud and voter disenfranchisement. The court acknowledged significant irregularities but did not revoke the results.
Also, his stance against Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill sparked debate, as homosexuality remains a criminal offense under Ugandan law. His position drew criticism in a largely conservative society. Besigye has likewise been repeatedly arrested during protests and political demonstrations, with his supporters accusing the government of intimidation and suppression of dissent.
Kizza Besigye Social Media Handle
https://m.facebook.com/KizzaBesigye1
Personal Life
Besigye married Winnie Byanyima, a prominent Ugandan politician and activist, in 1999. Winnie, a former Member of Parliament, currently serves as the Executive Director of UNAIDS. The couple has two children, Adam Ampa Besigye and Anselm Kizza Besigye, and resides in Kasangati, Wakiso District, Uganda. Besigye is also the brother of Olive Kobusingye, a renowned surgeon and author.
Kizza Besigye Net Worth
Kizza Besigye’s net worth is estimated to be around $3 Million.