Ugandan Opposition Leader Kizza Besigye Hospitalized After Courtroom Collapse
Former presidential candidate Kizza Besigye collapsed during a High Court hearing in Kampala. The veteran politician is currently in intensive care amid concerns over his legal and medical rights.
Medical Crisis Under Armed Guard
Dr. Kizza Besigye, a prominent figure in Ugandan opposition politics, remains in intensive care at Mulago National Referral Hospital following a physical collapse during his Wednesday hearing at the Kampala High Court. Witnesses report the 68-year-old shouted for proceedings to stop, claiming he was being injured, shortly before losing consciousness. Heavily armed security units currently secure the ICU wing where he is being held.
Dispute Over Medical Care and Legal Advocacy
Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, stated her husband initially rejected treatment from government personnel, citing a lack of trust in state-aligned medical staff. While his sister and personal physician, Dr. Olive Kobusingye, was initially barred from assisting him in court, later reports indicate she eventually gained access to the hospital facility. His legal situation faces significant hurdles:
- Lead attorney Erias Lukwago is currently detained by the military following his arrest last month.
- Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua was denied entry into Uganda when attempting to join his defense team.
Domestic Reactions and Political History
Opposition figure Bobi Wine condemned the decision to bring an ailing Besigye to court, calling the event a severe infringement on fundamental rights. Meanwhile, Besigye’s son, Adam Ampa, addressed an open letter to President Yoweri Museveni and Army Chief Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, requesting his father's release on humanitarian grounds. Besigye historically served as Museveni’s personal physician before their relationship fractured in 1999, leading to decades of political friction.
Source: BBC — World
