The High Court Criminal Division in Kampala has ordered the Uganda Prisons Service to submit a medical report on the condition of opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye after he failed to appear in court due to illness. The order came after prison authorities informed the court that Besigye was too sick to attend the hearing of his treason case on Thursday.
Trial Judge Justice Emmanuel Baguma issued the directive after receiving a letter from Luzira Prison explaining Besigye’s absence. The judge said the prison authorities must present a detailed medical report before the next court session, which has been scheduled for August 4, 2026.
The court also directed one of Besigye’s lawyers, Sylvia Namawejje Ebitu, to inform the other two court-appointed defence lawyers, Julius Sserwambala and Sarah Awero, to ensure they are present at the next hearing. The three lawyers were appointed by the court and are funded by the State to represent Besigye and his co-accused, Hajji Obeid Lutale and Captain Denis Oola.
The latest development follows dramatic events in court on Wednesday when Besigye reportedly collapsed while in the dock. The incident occurred shortly after he objected to the trial continuing without lawyers of his own choice.
Besigye argued that although the court had assigned lawyers to represent him, he had not been given enough time to meet and prepare with them. He asked the court to postpone the hearing for one week to allow proper consultation with the legal team.
However, the court declined his request for an adjournment and instead directed the prosecution to continue with the case. Moments later, Besigye collapsed, raising fresh concerns about his health and ability to take part in the proceedings.
His absence from Thursday’s hearing prompted the court to seek official medical information from the Uganda Prisons Service. The medical report is expected to help the court determine Besigye’s health status before the trial resumes.
The case has continued to attract widespread public attention because of the serious treason charges facing Besigye and his co-accused, as well as concerns raised by his lawyers and supporters about his health and access to legal representation.
All eyes will now be on the next hearing on August 4, when the court is expected to receive the prison medical report and decide the way forward in the high-profile case.
