Dr. Kizza Besigye, a prominent Ugandan opposition leader, remains in critical condition at Mulago National Referral Hospital following a collapse in a Kampala courtroom during his ongoing treason trial.

Besigye's wife, Winnie Byanyima, who is also Executive Director of UNAIDS, stated that the 70-year-old was admitted to the hospital's intensive care unit on Wednesday. She described his state as unconscious and unresponsive, unable to speak or react to pain stimuli. Prior to collapsing, Besigye reportedly expressed pain and distress in court.

Videos circulating on social media showed Besigye falling inside the courtroom, prompting immediate intervention from security personnel and court officials before he was transported by ambulance to the hospital.

Background of the Trial

  • Besigye and his aide, Obeid Lutale, have been detained since November 2024 after being arrested in Kenya and extradited to Uganda.
  • Both face treason charges, which they vehemently deny.
  • The trial has drawn significant national and international attention.

Besigye has challenged the legitimacy of the trial, refusing to proceed without his chosen defence team. His lead lawyer, Kenyan Martha Karua, was declared persona non grata by Ugandan authorities, and another defence member, former Kampala Mayor Erias Lukwago, was arrested and charged with misprision of treason.

Before collapsing, Besigye protested the continuation of the trial, accusing the court of constitutional violations. However, the presiding judge declined to suspend proceedings.

Health Concerns and Political Context

Besigye's health has been a source of concern for months. In February, he was briefly hospitalised following a hunger strike protesting his detention. His wife noted a significant decline in his condition as of April.

Human rights organisations, including the Commonwealth, have criticised his detention and called for his release, describing the charges as politically motivated amid a broader crackdown on opposition under President Yoweri Museveni's administration.

A former military officer and medical doctor, Besigye has been a key challenger to Museveni, running for president four times since 2001.