Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye hospitalized in intensive care after courtroom collapse

Thursday 30 July 2026 - 07:15

By: Sahili Aya

Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye hospitalized in intensive care after courtroom collapse

Detained Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye is unconscious and receiving treatment in an intensive care unit after collapsing during a court appearance in Kampala, according to his wife.

In a post published early Thursday on X, Winnie Byanyima said her husband had been admitted to the intensive care unit at Mulago National Referral Hospital following Wednesday's medical emergency.

Besigye, 70, collapsed while attending a hearing in his ongoing treason trial before being transported from the courthouse by ambulance.

Medical condition raises fresh concerns

Byanyima's update marks the first public information indicating the seriousness of Besigye's condition since the courtroom incident.

At the time of reporting, Ugandan authorities had not released an official medical statement regarding his condition or provided further details about the circumstances surrounding his collapse.

The hospitalization has intensified concern among supporters and observers following the dramatic interruption of the court proceedings.

High-profile treason case continues

Besigye has been in detention since November 2024, when he and his aide were detained in Kenya and later returned to Uganda, where both were charged with treason.

The veteran opposition politician has consistently denied the charges, while his lawyers and political allies argue that the prosecution is politically motivated.

Multiple requests for bail have previously been rejected by the courts.

Opposition leader remains a central political figure

A longtime critic of Uganda's government, Besigye has been one of the country's most prominent opposition leaders for decades and has contested the presidency on several occasions.

His health emergency is likely to draw renewed attention to his detention and ongoing legal proceedings, with domestic and international observers expected to closely monitor developments surrounding both his medical condition and the treason trial.