Ugandan opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye was rushed to the intensive care unit of Mulago National Referral Hospital following a collapse during a High Court hearing in Kampala on July 29.
Besigye had been protesting inside the courtroom against the denial of his preferred legal representation before losing consciousness. Reports indicate he declined treatment from government-appointed doctors.
Bobi Wine Sounds the Alarm
Musician-turned-politician Bobi Wine took to social media on August 1 to urge the global community to intervene, alleging that President Yoweri Museveni's administration intends to eliminate Besigye. Wine referenced comments attributed to General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Museveni's son and Chief of Defence Forces, claiming Muhoozi said Besigye would only leave prison dead or humiliated.
"Besigye will only leave prison in two ways. Either in his coffin after we hang him or shoot him or on his knees apologising to Mzee," Bobi Wine quoted Muhoozi as saying.
He further condemned what he described as a deliberate dismantling of Besigye's legal rights, including interference with his lawyers and denial of bail.
Family Appeals for Humane Treatment
Adam Ampa, Besigye's son, penned an open letter to President Museveni and Muhoozi, appealing for basic humane treatment of his father. He emphasized that no son should witness such suffering inflicted upon a father who served the nation.
Background and Ongoing Legal Struggles
- Besigye has been in detention since late 2024 after being abducted in Nairobi, where he attended a book launch.
- He faces treason charges before a military tribunal, which critics label as illegitimate.
- His legal team has faced arrests, drawing condemnation from human rights groups and legal bodies.
- Besigye has experienced multiple health crises during detention, including hospitalizations related to a hunger strike and other deteriorations.
