‘Unresponsive’ Besigye admitted to ICU after collapsing in court, family expresses concern

What the report says

The Observer reported that Ugandan opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at Mulago National Referral Hospital after collapsing during High Court proceedings on Wednesday. The four-time presidential candidate was first taken to Mbuya Military Hospital and later moved to Mulago at about 8:20 pm under heavy security, according to the report.

The incident occurred during proceedings before Justice Emmanuel Baguma, after Besigye protested a decision requiring him to proceed with court-appointed lawyers. The Observer named the assigned advocates as Sylvia Namawejje, Julius Sserwambala and Sarah Awelo. Family members said access to Besigye was initially restricted, with his sister Dr Hope Kobusingye, who is also his personal physician, later allowed to see him in the ICU. His wife, Winnie Byanyima, expressed concern that he had remained unconscious and unresponsive after the collapse.

Besigye is on trial for treason alongside retired UPDF Capt Denis Oola and Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya. The case resumed after the court ruled that proceedings would continue despite objections by Besigye and Lutale, who have said they want lawyers of their own choosing rather than state-funded legal aid counsel. Prosecutors allege the accused were involved in a conspiracy to overthrow the Ugandan government, including through meetings said to have taken place in countries such as Switzerland, Greece and Kenya. The accused deny the charges.

The Observer also reported that the defence has challenged aspects of the prosecution case, including the credibility and timeline of state witness Orlando Andy Wilson. Separately, lawyer Eron Kiiza has argued that misprision of treason allegations against former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago rely on political association rather than evidence of participation in the alleged conspiracy.