Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye collapsed in a Kampala courtroom during his treason trial and was rushed to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Mulago National Referral Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
His wife, Winnie Byanyima, provided an update on his health via social media, revealing that Besigye is unconscious, unable to speak, and unresponsive even to pain stimuli. She called for prayers and justice, highlighting the severity of his state.
Before collapsing, Besigye had protested loudly in court, banging on the dock and denouncing the trial as unconstitutional and unfair. He insisted he could not continue with the proceedings, especially after his lead lawyer, Kenyan advocate Martha Karua, was barred from representing him. Additionally, another member of his defense team, former Kampala mayor Erias Lukwago, was arrested and charged, further weakening his legal representation.
Videos circulating on social media showed Besigye collapsing amid the hearing, with court officials and security personnel rushing to assist him. Despite the incident, the presiding judge refused to suspend the trial, telling Besigye he was free to leave if he did not want to continue.
Background and Health Concerns
- Besigye has been detained since November 2024 after being arrested in Kenya and extradited to Uganda on treason charges, which he denies.
- His health has been a concern for months, exacerbated by a hunger strike in February 2026 protesting his incarceration.
- By April 2026, his condition had reportedly worsened, prompting increased public attention and calls for his release.
Besigye's wife also criticized the court for not allowing his sister, Dr. Kobusingye, to attend to him during the collapse. She warned that President Yoweri Museveni and his son would eventually be held accountable for Besigye's plight.
