Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye collapses during treason trial hearing
Prominent Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye collapsed during a court hearing in Kampala on Wednesday while standing trial on treason charges, according to a senior official from his political party.
Harold Kaija, a senior member of the People's Front for Freedom (PFF), told Reuters that Besigye suddenly collapsed during the proceedings before an ambulance arrived and transported him from the courthouse.
At the time of the incident, party officials said they did not know where the 70-year-old opposition figure had been taken for medical treatment.
Treason case continues
Besigye has remained in custody since November 2024, when he and his aide, Obeid Lutale, were detained in neighboring Kenya before being returned to Uganda.
Following their repatriation, both men were charged with treason, accusations they have consistently denied.
Their legal team and party officials have described the prosecution as politically motivated, while several applications for bail have been rejected by the courts.
Authorities have not commented
Following the courtroom incident, Reuters reported that prison authorities did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
A spokesperson for Uganda's judiciary also said he was unable to provide information because he had not yet received official details regarding the incident.
No official update on Besigye's medical condition had been released at the time of reporting.
Longtime opposition figure remains central to Uganda's politics
Besigye has been one of Uganda's most prominent opposition politicians for more than two decades and has contested the presidency on four occasions.
His detention and ongoing trial have attracted significant attention both domestically and internationally, with supporters arguing that the case reflects broader concerns over political freedoms, while the government maintains that legal proceedings are being conducted in accordance with the law.
The latest courtroom incident is likely to intensify scrutiny of his health and detention as the high-profile treason case continues.
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