Veteran Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye has been admitted to an intensive care unit in Kampala after collapsing and losing consciousness during his ongoing treason trial, sparking renewed concern over the health of the veteran politician and calls from his family and supporters for urgent medical attention.
The 70-year-old opposition figure was rushed to hospital on Wednesday after falling unconscious during proceedings at the High Court in Kampala, where he was challenging the decision to allow state-appointed lawyers to represent him in his case.
Besigye, who has spent months in detention, reportedly collapsed after repeatedly objecting to the legal arrangements before the court.
According to witnesses, the opposition leader appeared physically weak and was heard shouting “stop” before falling, prompting prison officers to intervene and transport him for medical care.
His wife, Winnie Byanyima, who serves as Executive Director of UNAIDS, confirmed that Besigye had been transferred to the intensive care unit, describing his condition as serious.
“He is unconscious, unable to speak, and unresponsive even to a pain stimulus.”
Winnie Byanyima
The development has intensified scrutiny over the treatment of one of Uganda’s most prominent opposition figures, who has spent decades challenging President Yoweri Museveni’s rule.
Besigye has contested four presidential elections against President Museveni, who has governed Uganda since 1986. Once a close ally of the president and his personal doctor, Besigye broke away from Museveni in 1999 and later became one of the strongest voices of opposition to the government.
His latest legal troubles began after he was dramatically detained in 2024 following his alleged abduction in Kenya and transfer back to Uganda. Since then, he has remained in custody alongside his aide, Obeid Lutale, with both men facing treason charges, which they deny.
Ugandan prosecutors accuse Besigye and Lutale of plotting to overthrow Museveni’s government, allegations that have been rejected by the opposition politician and his legal team.
Treason remains one of the most serious offences under Ugandan law and carries the possibility of a death sentence if a conviction is secured.
The courtroom incident has also raised concerns about Besigye’s access to medical care and legal representation. His wife indicated that before collapsing, the opposition leader complained that he was being harmed and objected strongly to the legal process taking place.
She also claimed that Besigye’s sister, Olive Kobusingye, who is a medical doctor, was present at court but was initially prevented from attending to him.
After being transferred to Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda’s largest public health facility, Byanyima revealed Besigye was refusing treatment from government medical personnel.
The family has called for Besigye to receive medical attention from his personal doctor at a private medical facility, arguing that his condition requires care from a physician he trusts.
Reports later indicated that his sister, who also serves as his personal doctor, had been granted access to see him. However, the ICU unit where he is being treated remains under heavy security presence, with armed officers reportedly stationed around the facility.
Opposition Figures Demand Accountability as Legal Battle Continues
The collapse of Besigye during court proceedings has intensified criticism from opposition supporters, who have accused authorities of violating his rights and denying him appropriate treatment.
The veteran politician’s legal defence has already faced major challenges in recent weeks. His lead lawyer, Erias Lukwago, was arrested last month and charged with allegedly failing to report acts of treason.
Another prominent member of his legal team, Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua, was reportedly prevented from entering Uganda when she travelled to represent him.
The developments have raised questions among supporters about whether Besigye is receiving adequate legal protection as he faces one of the most serious charges under Ugandan law.
His son, Adam Ampa Besigye, has appealed directly to President Museveni and his son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s army chief, asking them to consider releasing his father on humanitarian grounds.
In an open letter shared on social media, Adam Ampa Besigye stated that his father’s deteriorating condition had become a humanitarian issue beyond political differences.
“Regardless of politics, no son should have to witness his father reach such a state while standing before the very law he served and dedicated his life.”
Adam Ampa Besigye
Other opposition figures have also condemned Besigye’s appearance in court while visibly unwell.
Bobi Wine, another leading Ugandan opposition politician who left the country after contesting the January presidential election amid concerns for his safety, described the incident as a serious violation of Besigye’s rights.
He said seeing the opposition leader appear before court in such a condition represented a “shocking violation of his most basic rights.”
Besigye’s political career has been defined by repeated confrontations with Museveni’s government. After serving as the president’s personal physician, he became increasingly critical of the ruling administration and emerged as a central figure in Uganda’s opposition movement.
Although he has become less active in frontline politics in recent years and did not contest the 2021 presidential election, his continued influence among opposition supporters remains significant.
His incarceration and prosecution have turned into a significant test for Uganda’s political climate, especially in light of ongoing worries about legal procedures, opposition freedoms, and how political leaders who oppose the government are treated.
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