Concern over the condition of detained opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye continues to grow as close associates say he remains hospitalized and unable to speak more than a week after collapsing during his treason trial.
Besigye, 70, is receiving treatment at Mulago National Referral Hospital after he fell ill during court proceedings at the High Court in Kampala last week, prompting an interruption to the trial.
His health has become a central issue in the case, with the court awaiting a medical assessment to determine whether he is fit to continue participating in the proceedings.
Former Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura, a longtime associate of Besigye, said his condition has shown little improvement since he was admitted to the hospital.
“I have never been this worried. I have never been this terrified. What did the state do to Dr. Kizza Besigye?” Nyanjura said in a statement released Wednesday.
She said Besigye remains extremely weak and has been unable to speak since the incident in court.
“A week later, he is still incredibly weak and still unable to talk,” she said, adding that her remarks were intended to express concern about his wellbeing rather than create public alarm.
Nyanjura also questioned the circumstances surrounding Besigye’s collapse, noting that he was taken from court by ambulance before being admitted to Mulago National Referral Hospital.
Neither the hospital nor government authorities had publicly responded to her remarks by Wednesday.
Besigye collapsed during the hearing of his treason case after proceedings continued despite objections from his legal team regarding his representation. The incident led to his emergency hospitalization and delayed further progress in the trial.
The veteran opposition leader remains one of Uganda’s most prominent political figures, and developments surrounding his health have drawn widespread attention from supporters, political leaders and human rights advocates.
The High Court is expected to rely on a medical report before deciding whether Besigye is fit to return to court as the treason case continues.
