Dr Kizza Besigye Collapses in Court During Treason Trial After Protesting Proceedings

Dr Kizza Besigye has collapsed in the dock during his treason trial at the High Court in Kampala after repeatedly shouting in protest to stop the proceedings from continuing.

Besigye’s protest began shortly after state prosecutor Richard Birivumbuka started cross-examining the prosecution’s first witness, Andy Wilson Orlando.

The opposition leader shouted at the top of his voice for more than 10 minutes as the prosecution continued presenting its case despite the disruption.

Court proceedings were immediately adjourned after Besigye collapsed.

His doctors, Dr Lulume Bayigga and Dr Nicholas Kamara, are currently engaged in a standoff with prison officials as they seek access to examine him.

The dramatic incident followed an earlier disagreement over legal representation, with Besigye and his co-accused, Hajji Obeid Lutale, rejecting lawyers appointed by the High Court to represent them at the state’s expense.

The three lawyers appointed by the court—Julius Sserwambala, Sarah Awero and Sylvia Namawejje—informed the court that only UPDF Captain Denis Oola had accepted their representation.

However, Captain Oola clarified that his acceptance was conditional, stating that he would work with the court-appointed lawyers alongside his privately retained legal team.

Besigye objected to the appointed lawyers, arguing that they had not demonstrated sufficient experience to handle a case of the magnitude and complexity of the treason charges against him.

He also asked the court to wait for a ruling in a separate case challenging the legality of state-appointed legal representation before proceeding with the trial.

The disagreement over legal representation has been one of several issues that have delayed the commencement of the high-profile trial.

Besigye, Lutale and Captain Oola are facing treason charges over allegations that between 2023 and November 2024, they conspired with others still at large in Uganda and abroad to overthrow the government by force.

The accused have denied the charges.

The trial is being conducted under tight security measures announced by the Judiciary, including restrictions on courtroom access, electronic devices and media coverage.