Uganda's Kizza Besigye in Critical Condition After Collapsing During Treason Trial

By International Correspondent



Veteran Ugandan opposition leader **Dr Kizza Besigye** is in critical condition after collapsing during his treason trial in Kampala on Thursday, raising fresh concerns over his health and intensifying calls for his release on humanitarian grounds.

The 70-year-old politician, who has been in detention since November 2024, reportedly lost consciousness during proceedings at the High Court after objecting to being represented by state-appointed lawyers.

His wife, Winnie Byanyima, said Besigye was unconscious and unresponsive following the incident.

"He is unconscious, unable to speak, and unresponsive even to a pain stimulus," she wrote on social media.

Besigye was rushed under tight security to Mulago National Referral Hospital, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

Collapses During Court Proceedings

Witnesses said Besigye repeatedly protested against the appointment of state lawyers before suddenly collapsing inside the courtroom. According to Byanyima, he cried out that he was being harmed moments before losing consciousness.

She also claimed that Besigye's sister, Dr Olive Kobusingye, who serves as his personal physician, was initially prevented from treating him despite being present in court. She was later allowed access to him after he was admitted to hospital.

The ICU where Besigye is receiving treatment remains under heavy security.

Byanyima has appealed to Ugandan authorities to allow her husband to be transferred to a private medical facility, saying the family has little confidence in government medical care and that Besigye prefers to be treated by his own doctors.

### Facing Treason Charges

Besigye and his aide, Obeid Lutale, are facing treason charges over allegations that they conspired to overthrow President Yoweri Museveni's government.

The opposition leader was arrested in Kenya in late 2024 before being returned to Uganda to face prosecution. Both men deny the charges.

If convicted, Besigye could face the death penalty, as treason remains a capital offence under Ugandan law.

His legal team and several human rights organisations have maintained that the charges are politically motivated.

### Legal Team Under Pressure

Besigye's defence has also faced significant challenges.

Lead lawyer Erias Lukwago was arrested last month and charged with allegedly failing to report acts of treason, while prominent Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua was denied entry into Uganda when she attempted to represent him.

The developments have drawn criticism from opposition groups and international human rights organisations, which have questioned the fairness of the legal process.

### Family Pleads for Compassion

Besigye's worsening health has prompted emotional appeals from his family.

His son, Adam Ampa, urged President Museveni and Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to release his father on humanitarian grounds.

"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," Ampa said.

Opposition leader Bobi Wine also condemned Besigye's appearance in court despite his deteriorating health, describing the situation as a serious violation of his fundamental rights.

This is not the first time Besigye has suffered health complications while in detention. He was admitted to a private clinic in February 2025 after a hunger strike and has required medical treatment on several occasions since.

### From Ally to Opposition Icon

Once a close ally of President Museveni and his personal physician, Besigye broke ranks with the Ugandan leader in 1999 and went on to become one of the country's most prominent opposition figures.

He challenged Museveni in four presidential elections and has remained a leading voice against the government, despite choosing not to contest the 2021 presidential election.

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