Uganda’s veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye collapsed during court proceedings on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, forcing a temporary suspension of his treason trial as he was taken for urgent medical attention.
The incident happened at the High Court in Kampala, where Besigye was appearing in a case that has become one of Uganda’s most closely watched legal and political matters. Witnesses said the opposition figure became unwell during the hearing before collapsing in the courtroom.
Besigye was later admitted to hospital, with his family and supporters expressing concern about his condition and calling for close medical attention.
The 70-year-old politician has been a leading figure in Uganda’s opposition for decades and has repeatedly challenged President Yoweri Museveni’s government. He faces treason-related accusations, which he denies, while his supporters have described the case as politically motivated. Authorities have maintained that the matter is being handled through the country’s legal system.
The courtroom incident has added a new dimension to a trial already attracting significant public attention. Besigye’s legal battles and political activism have made him one of the most prominent opposition voices in Uganda, with his arrests, campaigns, and challenges to government policies frequently drawing national and international interest.
The development also comes amid wider discussions about the political environment in Uganda, including concerns from opposition groups and rights advocates over the treatment of political opponents.
As Besigye receives medical care, attention now turns to his health condition and the future of the ongoing court proceedings.
