Dr. Kizza Besigye Admitted to ICU After Collapsing in Court

Dr. Kizza Besigye, a prominent opposition figure and four-time presidential candidate, was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Mulago National Referral Hospital on Wednesday. This development followed his collapse during a court hearing before High Court Judge Emmanuel Baguma.

Besigye was reportedly first taken to Mbuya Military Hospital before being transferred to Mulago around 8:20 pm under significant security presence. His family has voiced distress, particularly regarding initial access to him.

His wife, Winnie Byanyima, reported that Besigye has been unconscious and unresponsive since his collapse, stating, “He is unconscious, unable to speak and unresponsive even to painful stimuli.” His sister, who is also his personal physician, Dr. Hope Kobusingye, was eventually granted access to him in the ICU.

The incident occurred while Besigye was protesting the court’s decision to have him represented by court-appointed lawyers, rather than counsel of his choosing. He is currently co-accused in a treason case with retired Capt. Denis Oola and Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya. They deny the charges, which allege a conspiracy to overthrow the government through meetings held in various international locations.

The defense has raised several challenges to the prosecution’s case, including questioning the credibility of state witness Orlando Andy Wilson and highlighting alleged inconsistencies in his statements and credentials. They have also contested the charges against co-accused Erias Lukwago, arguing they are based on political association rather than concrete evidence of treasonous activity.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)