KAMPALA — Veteran opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye has been transferred from the prison hospital to his cell at Luzira Prison, with his wife, Winnie Byanyima, expressing fresh concern over his health and accusing prison authorities of removing family members who had been caring for him.
Byanyima said Besigye remained in a very weak condition and needed continued assistance from his family as he recovers from a serious health deterioration that followed his collapse during a High Court session in Kampala on July 29.
In a statement, Byanyima said she was distressed by the latest development.
“I am hurt, angry and anxious. Dr Kizza Besigye has been returned to his prison cell, and his sisters who have been caring for him at the prison hospital have been sent away.”
The veteran politician’s health crisis began on July 29 when he collapsed in the dock as his treason trial got under way at the High Court’s Criminal Division.
Besigye collapsed shortly after the prosecution began presenting its first witness, American national Andrew Wilson. Prison officers lifted him from the dock and took him to the court holding cells, while proceedings were temporarily suspended.
Besigye was rushed to Mulago National Referral Hospital and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit after the courtroom collapse.
He was later returned to Luzira after spending 10 days at Mulago. Uganda Prisons Service said at the time that its medical team had taken over his treatment and that his condition was steadily improving. The service also said immediate family members and his personal doctors, including his sister Dr Olive Kobusingye, continued to have access to him.
Dr Kobusingye subsequently moved into Luzira to provide care for her brother, according to reports published earlier this month.
But Byanyima now says the family members caring for Besigye at the prison hospital have been removed.
“He is still extremely weak and needs family care. Prison conditions will undermine his recovery.”
Her comments come against the backdrop of an increasingly contentious debate over Besigye’s ability to participate in his treason proceedings.
On August 18, Justice Emmanuel Baguma ruled that the trial could proceed in Besigye’s absence. The controversial judge relied on a medical report from Mulago which, according to the court, indicated that Besigye had been discharged and was able to communicate and understand the proceedings.
Byanyima, however, has continued to challenge the handling of her husband’s medical condition and his continued detention.
“Yet Judge Baguma has brushed aside his medical condition and carried on with this sham trial.”
The trial concerns allegations that Besigye, his aide Haji Obeid Lutale and UPDF Captain Denish Oyaa Oola conspired to overthrow the Ugandan Government by force. The accused have denied the allegations.
The case was transferred from the military justice system to the civilian courts following a Supreme Court decision that civilians should not be tried by military courts. Besigye and Lutale have remained on remand at Luzira while pursuing legal challenges, including attempts to secure bail.
Byanyima also raised the possibility that her husband could be taken before court despite his current condition.
“They may even carry him to court [today].”
Her statement adds another layer to the dispute surrounding Besigye’s participation in the trial, with the prosecution continuing to present evidence while his defence and family maintain that his health has significantly limited his ability to participate.
The latest development is likely to renew scrutiny of Besigye’s medical care at Luzira and the circumstances under which family members are permitted to assist him during his recovery.
Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and longtime opposition figure, has been in custody since November 2024 following his arrest in Kenya alongside Lutale. He is jointly charged with treason and misprision of treason, offences that carry severe penalties upon conviction.
Byanyima’s statement comes days after a psychiatric assessment conducted at Luzira Staff Hospital by specialists from Mulago National Referral Hospital indicated that Besigye remained unable to speak or write following his collapse.
A report published by The Pearl Times said the assessment found Besigye alert and apparently able to understand spoken information, but suffering from a significant communication impairment. Doctors reportedly communicated with him using questions and a paper keyboard containing letters and numbers, which he pointed at to formulate responses. See Details of the medical report Here.
Meanwhile, the state’s Mzungu witness has made shocking allegations regarding a plot by Besigye to assassinate Museveni, as detailed Here.
