Uganda’s opposition People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) says veteran opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye has been discharged from the intensive care unit at Mulago National Referral Hospital but remains in critical condition following his collapse during a court appearance last week.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, PFF Buganda Chairperson Dr. Lulume Bayigga said Besigye’s condition had improved enough for him to leave the ICU, but cautioned that the former presidential candidate remains under close medical supervision.
According to Bayigga, Besigye is still too weak to feed himself and requires time to recognize some of the people who visit him.
“Dr. Besigye has been discharged from the ICU, but his condition is still critical. He cannot feed himself, and even recognising some of the people who visit him takes time,” Bayigga said.
Besigye was admitted to Mulago National Referral Hospital after collapsing during proceedings in his treason trial last week. The incident occurred after the court continued with the hearing despite his objections to being represented by State-appointed lawyers.
Bayigga said the party believes Besigye’s collapse was linked to what it considers an unfair judicial process. He argued that the opposition leader’s actions in court reflected his determination to defend not only his own rights but also the broader principle of fair trial protections for all Ugandans.
The PFF also disclosed that it had joined other opposition political parties in writing to Deputy Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija to request a meeting over concerns surrounding the handling of Besigye’s case.
Bayigga said the parties are awaiting a response from the Judiciary and hope the proposed meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss what they describe as due process concerns.
The party also addressed the case of PFF member Sam Mugumya, welcoming the circulation of a recent video that it said offered reassurance that he is alive after growing uncertainty over his whereabouts.
“The video of Sam Mugumya has given us hope that he is alive, but we appeal to the government to release him so he can reunite with his family,” Bayigga said.
He called on President Yoweri Museveni to intervene in Mugumya’s case and appealed to Gen. Kahinda Otafiire to support efforts aimed at securing his release. Bayigga alleged that Mugumya remains in military custody, although authorities have not publicly responded to the claim.
The opposition party said it will continue pursuing what it describes as justice for both Besigye and Mugumya while seeking dialogue with judicial authorities over concerns about the legal process.
Neither the Judiciary nor government officials had publicly responded to the latest statements by PFF at the time of Bayigga’s remarks.
