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Kizza Besigye Hospitalized in ICU After Collapsing During Treason Trial
Ugandan opposition veteran Kizza Besigye collapsed in the dock of the High Court in Kampala while protesting the appointment of state‑appointed lawyers during his treason trial. He shouted “stop” repeatedly before falling unconscious and was taken by prison guards to Mulago National Referral Hospital.
Besigye was admitted to the intensive‑care unit in a critical state, described by his wife, UNAIDS executive director Winnie Byanyima, as unconscious, unable to speak and unresponsive to pain. She said he had cried out that he was being injured and demanded that he be allowed to receive treatment from his personal physician rather than government‑appointed medics.
The trial follows his detention since November 2024 after his abduction in Kenya and repatriation to Uganda. Prosecutors allege he and aide Obeid Lutale plotted to overthrow President Yoweri Museveni, charges that carry the death penalty. Besigye’s lead counsel, Erias Lukwago, was arrested and charged with alleged failure to report treason. International and domestic rights groups have called for his release and proper medical care.
Entities
Erias Lukwago · Kizza Besigye · Muhoozi Kainerugaba · Winnie Byanyima · Yoweri Museveni
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Besigye's main attorney, Erias Lukwago, has been arrested and charged with alleged failure to report acts of treason. wtop.com · mymotherlode.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Besigye rejected state‑appointed lawyers, saying they lack experience for the treason case.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Prosecutors claim Besigye and others plotted to overthrow President Yoweri Museveni. wtop.com · mymotherlode.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Museveni's son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, alleged Besigye plotted to kill his father. wtop.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Besigye has been detained without bail for several months. wtop.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The treason charge against Besigye carries the death penalty. wtop.com · mymotherlode.com
- [DISPUTED] Kizza Besigye, 69, collapsed in court during his treason trial on Wednesday. wtop.com · mymotherlode.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Besigye's wife, Winnie Byanyima, says his health is failing and he lacks access to a doctor of his choice. wtop.com · mymotherlode.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba alleged Besigye plotted to kill President Yoweri Museveni. wtop.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Besigye’s main attorney, Erias Lukwago, has been arrested and charged with misprision of treason. wtop.com · www.myjoyonline.com
- [● 7 SOURCES] Besigye has been detained without bail since November 2024 after being arrested in Kenya and repatriated to Uganda. wtop.com · srnnews.com · www.theheritagetimes.com · thewhistler.ng · thevaultznews.com · +1 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] After collapsing, Besigye was taken to an ambulance and later transferred to Mulago National Referral Hospital ICU, where he is unconscious and unresponsive to pain. srnnews.com · www.ugstandard.com · www.myjoyonline.com · mymotherlode.com