Detained Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye rushed to hospital after health deteriorates

Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who began a hunger strike last week, has been rushed to the hospital after his health worsened, according to an allied lawmaker and local media reports.

Besigye, a long-time critic of President Yoweri Museveni, has been held in detention for nearly three months following prosecution by a military court, which has sparked public outcry.

Besigye’s imprisonment and prosecution have fueled mounting calls for his release, with political figures and citizens expressing concern over his well-being.

On Monday, pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine, who ran against Museveni in the 2021 presidential election, visited Besigye in prison and warned that the opposition leader appeared to be on the brink of death.

“This man is dying. Dr. Besigye is in a terrible state, he cannot leave his bed,” Wine told reporters after his visit. “He collapsed this morning when they were trying to carry him out of his bed.”

Besigye’s legal team claims he was “kidnapped” during a visit to Kenya in November, forcibly brought back to Uganda, and charged in a military court with offenses including illegal weapons possession.

His supporters believe the charges are politically motivated.

Detained Ugandan Opposition Leader Kizza Besigye Rushed to Hospital After Health Deteriorates was reportedly transferred to a clinic at Bugolobi Village Mall in Kampala’s Bugolobi suburb, with heavy security surrounding the transfer.

Francis Mwijukye, an ally and lawmaker, said Besigye was seen being pushed in a wheelchair. Local broadcaster NTV also confirmed the hospitalization.

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The Ugandan government is reportedly working on moving Besigye’s case from the military court to a civilian court after the Supreme Court ruled last month that civilians should not be prosecuted in military courts, deeming such trials unconstitutional.

Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi confirmed in a post on social media that Besigye’s hospital visit was for routine medical checks due to complications caused by his hunger strike, such as electrolyte imbalance.

He stated that Besigye’s condition had not worsened but clarified that medical attention was necessary due to the effects of not eating.

Besigye’s deteriorating health has intensified calls for his release, with many pointing to Uganda’s declining human rights record under Museveni, who has ruled the country since 1986 and is expected to seek re-election in 2026.