Da Dona
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- Dec 16, 2025
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Video by BBS:
Opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye has collapsed in court after protesting his trial proceedings without his personal lawyers.
The incident forced the judge to temporarily halt the session as security personnel moved to assist him.
Earlier, Besigye had objected to proceeding with the trial in the absence of his legal team. However, Justice Buguma appointed three state-funded lawyers and insisted that the trial continues.
More information......
Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye collapsed on Wednesday during a court session in Kampala, where he is facing treason charges, according to officials from his party.
The 70-year-old has been detained since November 2024 after he and his aide, Obeid Lutale, were arrested in Kenya and returned to Uganda to face treason charges. Both have denied the allegations, insisting the case is politically motivated, while repeated bail applications have been rejected.
Harold Kaija, a senior official in the People's Front for Freedom (PFF), said Besigye suddenly collapsed in court before an ambulance took him away to an undisclosed location.
Prisons spokesperson Frank Baine could not be reached for comment, while judiciary spokesperson Ereemye Mawanda said he had not yet received information about the incident.
Besigye's detention has drawn criticism from local and international human rights groups, with the Commonwealth calling for his release. Critics of President Yoweri Museveni argue the case reflects a broader crackdown on opposition figures and government critics.
Besigye was briefly hospitalized in February after going on a hunger strike to protest his detention. In April, his wife, Winnie Byanyima, told Amnesty International that his health had deteriorated.
He has also sought the reinstatement of his legal team after lead lawyer Martha Karua of Kenya was declared persona non grata, while another lawyer, Erias Lukwago, was arrested and charged with misprision of treason. Lukwago remains in custody.
The incident forced the judge to temporarily halt the session as security personnel moved to assist him.
Earlier, Besigye had objected to proceeding with the trial in the absence of his legal team. However, Justice Buguma appointed three state-funded lawyers and insisted that the trial continues.
More information......
Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye collapsed on Wednesday during a court session in Kampala, where he is facing treason charges, according to officials from his party.
The 70-year-old has been detained since November 2024 after he and his aide, Obeid Lutale, were arrested in Kenya and returned to Uganda to face treason charges. Both have denied the allegations, insisting the case is politically motivated, while repeated bail applications have been rejected.
Harold Kaija, a senior official in the People's Front for Freedom (PFF), said Besigye suddenly collapsed in court before an ambulance took him away to an undisclosed location.
Prisons spokesperson Frank Baine could not be reached for comment, while judiciary spokesperson Ereemye Mawanda said he had not yet received information about the incident.
Besigye's detention has drawn criticism from local and international human rights groups, with the Commonwealth calling for his release. Critics of President Yoweri Museveni argue the case reflects a broader crackdown on opposition figures and government critics.
Besigye was briefly hospitalized in February after going on a hunger strike to protest his detention. In April, his wife, Winnie Byanyima, told Amnesty International that his health had deteriorated.
He has also sought the reinstatement of his legal team after lead lawyer Martha Karua of Kenya was declared persona non grata, while another lawyer, Erias Lukwago, was arrested and charged with misprision of treason. Lukwago remains in custody.
