Opposition Leader Besigye Collapses During Treason Hearing

WHO:

AP - Kizza Besigye, Ugandan opposition leader, aged 69.

AP - Erias Lukwago, Besigye's main attorney, who has been arrested and charged.

AP - Winnie Byanyima, Besigye’s wife and UNAIDS Executive Director.

AP - Yoweri Museveni, President of Uganda.

AP - Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s top military commander and Museveni’s son.

WHAT:

AP - Kizza Besigye collapsed in court during his treason trial.

AP - Besigye shouted the word “stop” multiple times before collapsing.

AP - The court proceedings were postponed as prison guards attended to Besigye.

AP - Besigye has been detained without bail for several months.

AP - Prosecutors are presenting evidence to prove that Besigye and others plotted to overthrow the government.

AP - Besigye's situation is described as “critical” by his party.

WHERE:

AP - The incident occurred in a court in Kampala, Uganda.

AP - Besigye is held at a maximum-security facility in Uganda.

WHEN:

AP - Besigye last contested the presidency in 2016.

AP - Besigye went missing in November 2024 and was later presented before a military tribunal.

WHY:

AP - Besigye is facing treason charges, which carry the death penalty, for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government.

AP - Museveni stated that Besigye must answer for “the very serious offenses he is alleged to have been planning.”

HOW:

AP - Besigye has been repeatedly denied bail during his trial.

AP - Those advocating for Besigye’s release cite his need to consult with a doctor of his choice, rather than government-appointed medics.

(UPDATED July 29, 2026 19:30 UTC)

Kizza Besigye, the Ugandan opposition leader, collapsed in court during his treason trial, shouting "stop" multiple times before losing consciousness, prompting a postponement of the proceedings as prison guards attended to him. Besigye, who has been detained without bail for several months, is facing serious charges that could lead to the death penalty for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government, a situation described as "critical" by his party. His attorney, Erias Lukwago, has also been arrested and charged, while Besigye remains held at a maximum-security facility in Kampala, where advocates are calling for him to be allowed to consult with a doctor of his choice.