Kizza Besigye Collapses During Ugandan Treason Trial

Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye collapsed in the High Court in Kampala on Wednesday during the opening of his treason trial. The incident occurred after Besigye repeatedly interrupted the testimony of the prosecution's first witness to protest that the proceedings were unconstitutional. He argued that he was being denied the right to choose his own legal representation, specifically criticizing the court-appointed advocates for lacking the necessary experience for complex criminal cases.

Justice Emmanuel Baguma overruled these objections, ruling that the court-appointed lawyers must remain to comply with constitutional requirements for capital offenses. Following the dispute, Besigye shouted "stop" multiple times before falling backward in the dock. Prison officers carried him to holding cells, and supporters reported that doctors were denied access to treat him. Besigye's wife, Winnie Byanyima, and the People's Front for Freedom party stated his health is critical.

Besigye and co-accused Obed Lutale and Denis Oola face charges of treason and misprision of treason. Prosecutors allege the group conspired between 2023 and 2024 to overthrow the government of President Yoweri Museveni using armed force, while General Muhoozi Kainerugaba claimed the plot included killing the president. Besigye has been detained without bail since November 2024, following his disappearance in Nairobi. The trial was further complicated by the recent arrest of Besigye's attorney, Erias Lukwago, on charges of failing to report acts of treason.