Besigye's Health Raises Concern After Uganda Opposition Leader Collapses Inside Courtroom

Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye was hospitalised and remains unconscious after collapsing during a courtroom session in his ongoing treason trial, according to his wife and political associates. The incident has intensified calls from his supporters for his release, with critics alleging that the case against him is politically motivated. Besigye collapsed on Wednesday while appearing in court after objecting to proceeding with the trial without lawyers of his choice. His main lawyer, Erias Lukwago, had reportedly been detained by authorities and charged over allegations related to failure to report acts of treason, leaving Besigye without his preferred legal representation.

Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, the executive director of UNAIDS, said in a post on social media platform X that her husband was unconscious and being treated in the intensive care unit of a public hospital in Kampala. She claimed that before collapsing, Besigye shouted that he was being injured. Close associate Ingrid Turinawe told The Associated Press that she and others were initially prevented from visiting Besigye at Mulago Hospital. She said Besigye was in the ICU and was not responding, while his personal doctor was later allowed to examine him several hours after the incident.

The Ugandan prison authorities have not immediately commented on the allegations surrounding Besigye’s condition or the circumstances leading to his collapse. Officials have previously defended the legal proceedings against him, saying the charges are being handled through the judicial system. The case against Besigye has drawn widespread attention because of his long-standing opposition to President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986. Besigye has challenged Museveni’s leadership several times, including in the 2016 presidential election, after which he criticised the electoral process and said elections were ineffective under what he described as an authoritarian system.

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The opposition leader has faced multiple arrests and legal battles throughout his political career. His supporters have repeatedly accused the government of using criminal cases to weaken political opponents, while authorities have denied such claims and maintained that individuals must answer for alleged offences. The current treason case has become increasingly controversial after President Museveni and his son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, made statements about the allegations against Besigye. Kainerugaba has previously accused Besigye of plotting against the president, while Museveni has said he must face charges over what he described as serious alleged offences.

Prosecutors have recently begun presenting evidence that they claim will prove Besigye and others were involved in a plan to overthrow the government. However, Besigye’s political party has rejected the accusations, calling the charges fabricated and politically driven. Besigye, a former physician who became one of Uganda’s most prominent opposition figures, has remained a central voice challenging Museveni’s government for decades. His latest health crisis has increased pressure on Ugandan authorities over his treatment in custody and the future of the treason proceedings. The situation continues to draw domestic and international attention, with human rights groups and opposition supporters closely monitoring Besigye’s medical condition and the progress of the court case.

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