BREAKING: Besigye Collapses in Court After Protesting Trial Proceedings

What the report says

Nile Post reported that opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye collapsed in the dock at the High Court in Kampala during proceedings in his treason trial. According to the report, the incident happened after Besigye loudly objected for more than 10 minutes as the case continued, prompting the court to adjourn. The protest reportedly began after state prosecutor Richard Birivumbuka started cross-examining the prosecution’s first witness, Andy Wilson Orlando.

The outlet said Besigye’s doctors, Dr Lulume Bayigga and Dr Nicholas Kamara, were seeking access to assess him after the collapse, but were in a confrontation with prison officials. The report also noted that Besigye has experienced health challenges during his prolonged detention, though it did not provide fresh medical details on his condition after the courtroom incident.

The disruption followed a dispute over legal representation. Nile Post reported that Besigye and co-accused Hajji Obeid Lutale rejected three lawyers appointed by the High Court at state expense: Julius Sserwambala, Sarah Awero and Sylvia Namawejje. The lawyers told court that only UPDF Captain Denis Oola had accepted them, but Oola said that acceptance was conditional and that he wanted them to work alongside his private lawyers.

Besigye, Lutale and Oola are accused of treason over allegations that, between 2023 and November 2024, they conspired with others in Uganda and abroad to overthrow the government by force. They deny the charges. The case is politically significant because Besigye is one of Uganda’s best-known opposition leaders, and Nile Post said the trial is taking place under tightened court security, including limits on access, devices and media coverage.