Kampala, Uganda — August 1, 2026 — Opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye remained in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Mulago National Referral Hospital on Saturday, with his family and supporters still awaiting an official update on his condition following his collapse during a High Court session earlier this week.
The former presidential candidate was rushed to hospital on Wednesday after falling unconscious while appearing before Justice Emmanuel Baguma in a treason case. The hearing came to an abrupt halt as prison officers and medical personnel responded before transferring him to Mbuya Military Hospital and later to Mulago National Referral Hospital.
The courtroom incident followed Besigye’s objection to the court’s decision to assign state-funded lawyers to represent him after members of his preferred legal team were unavailable. Witnesses said he repeatedly protested the arrangement moments before collapsing.
By Saturday, neither hospital management nor the Uganda Prisons Service had publicly disclosed details of his medical condition, although relatives said he remained under specialized care.
His wife, Winnie Byanyima, said Besigye was unconscious when he was admitted and had expressed a preference to be treated by his personal doctor rather than government medical personnel. His sister, Dr. Olive Kobusingye, was later allowed to access the ICU after initially being denied entry during the court proceedings.
On Friday evening, senior officials from the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), including Harold Kaija, Doreen Nyanjura and Ingrid Turinawe, were denied permission to visit Besigye after hospital authorities cited restrictions governing access to patients in intensive care. The officials questioned the heavy security deployment around the hospital.
The High Court has since adjourned the treason proceedings to August 4 and instructed the Uganda Prisons Service to submit a medical assessment indicating whether Besigye is fit to continue participating in the trial.
Besigye, a four-time presidential contender and long-time government critic, is charged alongside Obeid Lutale and others over allegations of plotting to overthrow the government. The accused have denied the charges.
As concern over his health grows, legal observers and rights advocates say the forthcoming medical report is likely to shape the next phase of the high-profile trial, while renewed calls have emerged for transparency regarding his treatment and respect for his legal rights.
Further updates are expected as medical authorities and the court provide additional information on Besigye’s condition and the progress of the case.
written by @enock katamba
- Enock Katamba is a Ugandan Journalist and Founder of Uncovered UG, an independent digital news platform covering Uganda and international developments. He reports on politics, national affairs, entertainment, sports, business, education and other stories of public interest.
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