KAMPALA – Opposition politician and four-time presidential candidate Kizza Besigye has reportedly been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Mulago National Referral Hospital following a medical emergency, according to multiple reports circulating on Thursday.
Sources close to the family claim that Dr. Besigye remains unconscious after being rushed to the ICU. His sister and personal doctor, Olive Kobusingye, has reportedly been granted access to attend to him.
Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura shared an update on X (formerly Twitter), saying:
“Dr. Kizza Besigye has been admitted to the ICU at Mulago Hospital. His sister and personal doctor, Dr. Olive Kobusingye, has now been granted access. KB is still unconscious. Hang in there KB, we your soldiers shall be with you to the end.”
UPDATE: Dr. @kizzabesigye1 has been admitted to the ICU at Mulago Hospital.
His sister and personal doctor, Dr. Olive Kobusingye, has now been granted access.
KB is still unconscious.Hang in there KB, We your soldiers shall be with you to the end.
— Nyanjura Doreen Omutatina (@DoreenNyanjura) July 29, 2026
The reported hospitalization comes a day after dramatic scenes unfolded at the Criminal Division of the High Court on Wednesday, July 29, when Dr. Besigye collapsed in the dock during the hearing of his treason case.
The incident occurred as Chief State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka was leading the prosecution’s first witness, Andrew Wilson, through his testimony.
Before collapsing, Besigye repeatedly interrupted the proceedings, accusing the court of conducting what he described as an illegal trial. He shouted that the court should “stop this nonsense,” alleging that the proceedings violated Uganda’s Constitution.
Moments later, he collapsed in the dock and was carried from the courtroom by prison officers to the court holding cells, prompting a temporary suspension of proceedings.
Eyewitnesses said two doctors who were seated among Besigye’s supporters offered to provide emergency medical assistance but were reportedly denied access by prison authorities.
The presiding judge, Emmanuel Baguma, later adjourned the proceedings and retired to his chambers.
Earlier in the day, the court appointed three assessors “Sarah Babirye, John Musana and Richard Okello” to assist during the trial. However, Besigye and his co-accused rejected both the assessors and the three state-funded lawyers appointed to represent them.
Dr. Besigye is jointly charged with treason and misprision of treason alongside his aide, Obeid Lutale, and Denish Oyaa Oola, an officer attached to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Armoured Brigade.
The prosecution alleges that between 2023 and 2024, the accused conspired in Uganda, Kenya, Greece and Switzerland to overthrow the Government of Uganda through the use of armed force. They are also accused of failing to report alleged plans to commit treason, an offence known as misprision of treason.
As of the time of publication, there has been no official statement from Mulago National Referral Hospital or prison authorities confirming Dr. Besigye’s medical condition.
