Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye in ICU after collapsing in court, his wife says
Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye has been admitted to an ICU after collapsing during his treason trial. His wife reports that he is unresponsive and has refused treatment from government medical personnel.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the volatile political climate in Uganda and the high stakes for opposition figures facing treason charges.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Wycliffe Muia Reuters Kizza Besigye has been in detention since November 2024 Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye has been admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) in the capital, Kampala, after collapsing and losing consciousness during his treason trial, his wife has said.
The 70-year-old has been in detention since November 2024. His lead lawyer was arrested last month and charged with allegedly failing to report acts of treason .
The visibly frail politician was objecting to state lawyers being appointed to represent him when he fell, prompting prison guards to rush him to hospital.
"He is unconscious, unable to speak, and unresponsive even to a pain stimulus," his wife, Winnie Byanyima, who heads the UN's agency tackling HIV and Aids (UNAids), wrote on X.
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