In brief
Kizza Besigye, a long‑time opposition figure who has challenged President Yoweri Museveni on multiple occasions, fell unconscious during a High Court hearing in Kampala. A United Nations official, his wife Winnie Byanyima, confirmed that he was rushed to Mulago National Referral Hospital’s intensive care unit, where he remains untreated by government staff and is being monitored by armed guards. Besigye’s case, originally filed in November 2024, has led to accusations of treason— a capital offence in Uganda— and his detention has sparked criticism from civil‑society groups demanding a humanitarian release. The collapse follows prior health incidents, including a brief hospitalization during a hunger strike last year, underscoring the growing concern over his safety and treatment while imprisoned.
A 70‑year‑old veteran opposition leader was admitted to intensive care after collapsing during a treason trial at the High Court in Kampala, his widow, Winnie Byanyima, confirmed on X.
Besigye has been in prison since November 2024 after being charged with treason by the Ugandan government. His lead lawyer was arrested last month, and he has earlier denied any wrongdoing. During Wednesday’s hearing, he shouted “stop” at the appointed government lawyers and protested that he was being injured, before losing consciousness and being escorted to the hospital.
The U.N.’s agencies head, Byanyima, wrote that Besigye “is unconscious, unable to speak, and unresponsive even to a pain stimulus.” She added that he would not allow any government doctor to treat him and called for him to be treated by his personal physician at a private clinic, a request that has yet to be granted.
According to reports, Besigye was transferred to Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda’s largest public facility, where his ICU ward is guarded by heavily armed security personnel. His sister, Olive Kobusingye, a medical doctor, has only been allowed to see him after securing permission.
Besigye’s situation has drawn calls from opposition parties and human‑rights groups for a release on medical grounds. His son, Adam Ampa, appealed to President Museveni and army chief Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for mercy, stressing that “no son should have to witness his father reach such a state.”
His collapse follows earlier hospitalizations. In February 2025, he was sent to a private clinic after a hunger strike, and he has been briefly admitted earlier this year for other health concerns.
