KAMPALA — Opposition figure Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye collapsed in court on Wednesday during the hearing of his treason case at the High Court in Kampala, forcing the suspension of proceedings as prison authorities arranged for him to receive medical attention.
The incident occurred as Besigye appeared before Justice Emmanuel Baguma alongside his co-accused, Hajji Obeid Lutale and UPDF Captain Denis Oola, in a case where they are accused of plotting to overthrow the Government of Uganda.
According to reports from court, Besigye became distressed while objecting to the participation of a state-appointed lawyer in the proceedings, arguing that the counsel lacked the experience required to handle a serious case of such magnitude.
Witnesses said Besigye repeatedly protested before collapsing in the courtroom. Prison officers reportedly called for an ambulance, after which proceedings were halted to allow him to receive medical attention.
Opposition supporters and some of Besigye’s allies raised concerns over the incident, with former Kampala Woman MP Doreen Nyanjura claiming that Besigye’s personal doctor had been denied access to him. The claims have not been independently verified.
The court session came amid heightened attention surrounding Besigye’s trial, which began after the High Court cleared the way for the case to proceed earlier this month. Justice Baguma had dismissed applications by Besigye and Lutale seeking to halt the proceedings, ruling that the applications did not provide grounds to terminate the trial.
Dispute Over Legal Representation
Before the collapse, Besigye had reportedly challenged the decision to provide him with state-funded legal representation, maintaining that he preferred his own lawyers to handle the case. The court had earlier directed that state-funded counsel be provided after concerns were raised about access to legal representation.
The treason case involves allegations that Besigye, Lutale and Capt. Oola engaged in activities aimed at overthrowing the government, including alleged meetings abroad, procurement of arms and recruitment of personnel. The accused have denied the charges.
Trial Under Increased Security Measures
The collapse happened a day after the Judiciary announced new guidelines restricting access to proceedings, including limits on the number of journalists allowed inside court, a ban on phones and electronic devices in the courtroom, and tighter controls on photography and live broadcasts.
The measures have drawn criticism from opposition figures and activists who argue they could undermine transparency, while the Judiciary has maintained that the restrictions are intended to ensure security, orderly proceedings and protect the integrity of the trial.
Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and long-time critic of President Yoweri Museveni, has been in detention for months as the legal battle continues.
The court is expected to determine the next steps in the proceedings following his medical assessment.