Ugandan Opposition Leader Kizza Besigye Admitted To Intensive Care After Court Collapse

Detained Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye has been admitted to intensive care after collapsing during a court appearance in Kampala, according to his wife, Winnie Byanyima. Besigye, who has been in custody since November 2024 on treason charges he denies, is reportedly unconscious and unresponsive. The incident has renewed concerns over his health in detention and intensified scrutiny of Uganda's treatment of opposition figures.

Detained Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye has been admitted to an intensive care unit after collapsing during a court appearance in Kampala, raising fresh concerns about his health and treatment in detention.
According to his wife, Winnie Byanyima, Besigye is unconscious, unable to speak and unresponsive even to pain stimuli. She said he was rushed to Mulago National Referral Hospital after collapsing during proceedings in his treason trial.
Besigye, 70, has been in custody since November 2024 after he and his aide, Obeid Lutale, were arrested in Kenya and later transferred to Uganda, where they were charged with treason. Both men have denied the charges, while their lawyers and supporters maintain the case is politically motivated.

HEALTH CONCERNS DEEPEN

Besigye reportedly collapsed in court before being taken away by ambulance as proceedings were halted.
His deteriorating condition follows months of concerns raised by his family and legal team over his health while in detention. Earlier this year, he was hospitalised after a hunger strike protesting his continued detention, while his wife repeatedly warned that prison conditions were affecting his wellbeing.

OPPOSITION CALLS CASE POLITICALLY MOTIVATED

Besigye's detention has become one of Uganda's most high-profile political cases.
His supporters argue that the treason charges are part of a wider crackdown on opposition figures under President Yoweri Museveni's government. Multiple applications for bail have been rejected, while members of his legal team have also faced legal challenges, including arrests and treason-related charges.
The veteran politician is a four-time presidential candidate and one of Museveni's longest-serving political rivals.

INTERNATIONAL SCRUTINY GROWS

Human rights organisations and international observers have repeatedly expressed concern over Besigye's detention.
The Commonwealth has previously called for his release, while rights groups have urged Ugandan authorities to ensure he receives adequate medical treatment and a fair judicial process.
Government officials had not commented on his latest medical condition at the time of reporting.

A LONG-STANDING RIVALRY

Besigye was once a close ally and personal physician to President Museveni before becoming one of his fiercest political opponents.
For decades, he has accused the government of suppressing political opposition and undermining democratic institutions. His latest health emergency is expected to intensify both domestic and international pressure on Ugandan authorities over the treatment of opposition figures ahead of the country's next political cycle.