Ugandan opposition politician Kizza Besigye collapsed during a court hearing Wednesday at the High Court in Kampala and was subsequently admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Mulago National Referral Hospital, according to his wife. Witnesses in the court reported that Besigye, 70, repeatedly shouted "stop" regarding his legal representation before he fell ill.
His wife, Winnie Byanyima, stated on social media that Besigye cried out that he was being injured before collapsing. She added that his sister, Olive Kobusingye, a doctor who was present in the courtroom, was initially prevented from attending to him. Besigye has been in detention since November 2024 and faces treason charges, which he denies.
Byanyima further stated that Besigye is refusing treatment from government medical personnel and will not permit any government official to examine him. She has demanded that he be allowed to receive care from his personal physician at a private clinic.
The ICU wing where Besigye is being treated is reportedly under heavy guard by security officers. His sister, who serves as his personal doctor, has reportedly been granted access to him.
Besigye's legal team has faced significant challenges. His primary lawyer, Erias Lukwago, is currently in jail, having been arrested by the army last month. Another lead lawyer, Martha Karua of Kenya, was denied entry into Uganda when she arrived to represent him.
Besigye's son, Adam Ampa, issued an open letter appealing to President Yoweri Museveni and his son, army chief Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to release his father on humanitarian grounds. Ampa expressed his distress, writing, "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."
Bobi Wine, a fellow Ugandan opposition politician who left the country citing fears for his safety after contesting the January presidential election, called Besigye's appearance in court while unwell a "shocking violation of his most basic rights."
Kizza Besigye, a prominent figure in Ugandan opposition politics, previously served as President Museveni's personal doctor before parting ways with him in 1999. He has been less politically active in recent years and did not participate in the 2021 election.