Uganda Opposition leader Besigye in ICU after collapsing in court, wife says
Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye is in critical condition in the ICU after collapsing during a court session where he faced treason charges. His detention and the legal proceedings against him have drawn international concern regarding political repression in Uganda.
Why it matters
The health crisis of a prominent opposition figure in a politically volatile environment has significant implications for national stability and human rights discourse.
Prominent Ugandan opposition politician Kizza Besigye(centre) in court on July 29, 2026./SCREENGRAB
Prominent Ugandan opposition politician Kizza Besigye has been admitted to the intensive care unit at Mulago National Referral Hospital after collapsing during a court session in Kampala on Wednesday.
His wife, Winnie Byanyima, confirmed the development in a post on X early Thursday, saying the 70-year-old was unconscious and in critical condition.
"He is unconscious, unable to speak, and unresponsive even to a pain stimulus," said Byanyima, who also serves as Executive Director of the United Nations AIDS programme (UNAIDS).
Besigye collapsed while appearing before court in the Ugandan capital, where he is facing treason charges. He was rushed from the courtroom in an ambulance.
Government spokesperson Alan Kasujja did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in