Opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye remains in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Mulago National Referral Hospital. His family and supporters are awaiting an official medical update after he collapsed during a High Court session earlier this week.
The former presidential candidate was rushed to hospital on Wednesday after falling unconscious during a treason case hearing before Justice Emmanuel Baguma. The session was suspended as prison officers and medical personnel responded. He was first taken to Mbuya Military Hospital before later being transferred to Mulago National Referral Hospital.
The courtroom incident happened after Besigye objected to the court’s decision to assign state-funded lawyers to represent him. Members of his preferred legal team were unavailable. Witnesses said he repeatedly protested the arrangement before collapsing.
By Saturday, hospital management and the Uganda Prisons Service had not publicly released details about his medical condition. However, relatives said he remained under specialized care.
Related: State Begins Besigye Treason Trial Today, 10 Witnesses Set to Testify
His wife, Winnie Byanyima, said Besigye was unconscious when he arrived at the hospital. She added that he preferred treatment from 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 People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) officials, including Harold Kaija, Doreen Nyanjura and Ingrid Turinawe, were denied permission to visit Besigye. Hospital authorities cited restrictions on access to patients in intensive care. The officials later questioned the heavy security deployment around the hospital.
The High Court has adjourned the treason proceedings to August 4. It also instructed the Uganda Prisons Service to submit a medical assessment on 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. They face allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, which they have denied.
As concern over his health grows, legal observers and rights advocates say the medical report could shape the next stage of the high-profile trial. Meanwhile, calls continue for transparency about his treatment and respect for his legal rights.
More updates are expected as medical authorities and the court provide further information about 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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