Kizza Besigye, a prominent Ugandan opposition figure and former presidential candidate, appeared in court on Friday in a weakened state, drawing concern from supporters who described him as “critically ill.” The 68-year-old has long been a vocal critic of President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power for nearly 40 years. Besigye has contested four elections against Museveni, but all have ended in failure amid accusations of electoral fraud.
Currently facing charges of “threatening national security,” Besigye began a hunger strike on February 10 to protest his detention. His lawyer, Erias Lukwago, revealed that Besigye’s health had deteriorated significantly, with the opposition leader being too ill to leave his cell the day before his court appearance. Despite his condition, Besigye appeared in a civilian court on Friday to face additional charges related to his involvement in a 2022 protest against rising commodity prices.
Deputy Mayor of Kampala and Besigye’s ally, Doreen Kyanjura, expressed distress over his condition, saying, “He appeared very frail and weak, and at one point gasped for breath, which made us break into tears.” Besigye was also accompanied by political ally Samuel Lubega Mukaaku, who is facing similar charges.
Besigye missed a court session on Tuesday, citing illness in a handwritten note. Lukwago, deeply concerned for Besigye’s wellbeing, warned that without urgent release, Besigye’s health could deteriorate to the point of death.
In response to concerns about his health, Uganda Prisons spokesperson Frank Baine acknowledged Besigye’s deteriorating condition but assured the public that it was being closely monitored by the prison’s medical team, claiming there was “no cause for alarm.”
Besigye’s legal troubles have escalated since his abduction in November 2024 in Kenya, after which he was handed over to Ugandan authorities. He is now facing treason charges that could carry the death penalty if convicted in a court martial. His wife, UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima, has condemned these proceedings as a “sham” and an attack on political dissent.
International human rights organizations, including the United Nations and Amnesty International, have voiced concerns over the increasing repression of political opposition in Uganda as the country approaches its 2026 presidential elections. Amnesty International described Besigye’s case as a “travesty of justice” and called for his immediate release.
Besigye’s supporters and human rights advocates continue to demand his release, fearing that his continued detention under such harsh conditions could lead to irreversible harm.
