Veteran Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye has been admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) in Kampala after collapsing and losing consciousness during proceedings in his ongoing treason trial, according to his wife, Winnie Byanyima.
Besigye, 70, reportedly became ill while objecting to the appointment of state lawyers to represent him in court. Witnesses said the opposition politician, who appeared visibly weak during the hearing, suddenly collapsed before prison officials rushed him to a hospital for emergency treatment.
Providing an update on his condition, Byanyima, the Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), said her husband was unconscious and in critical condition.
“He is unconscious, unable to speak, and unresponsive even to a pain stimulus,” she wrote in a post on X.
Besigye has remained in detention since November 2024 following his arrest in neighbouring Kenya and subsequent transfer to Uganda under controversial circumstances.
He is standing trial alongside his aide, Obeid Lutale, on charges of treason. Ugandan prosecutors allege the pair conspired to overthrow the government of President Yoweri Museveni, accusations both men have denied.
The case has drawn widespread attention both within Uganda and internationally, with opposition supporters and human rights advocates raising concerns over Besigye’s prolonged detention and the circumstances surrounding his prosecution.
Last month, Besigye’s lead defence lawyer was also arrested and charged with allegedly failing to report acts of treason, a development that further intensified criticism of the handling of the high-profile case.
Besigye, a former physician and long-time political rival of President Museveni, has contested Uganda’s presidency four times and remains one of the country’s most prominent opposition figures.
His latest medical emergency is expected to heighten scrutiny of his detention and trial as calls grow for authorities to ensure he receives adequate medical care while legal proceedings continue.
