Opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye’s dramatic collapse in court has triggered fresh concern over his health and treatment, with former Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura alleging delays in access to urgent medical care.
Besigye reportedly collapsed on July 29 during proceedings at the High Court in Kampala, where he is facing treason charges.
Witnesses said he had been protesting the continuation of the trial without lawyers of his choice, repeatedly shouting “stop” before falling inside the dock, forcing a temporary halt to the session.
He was later rushed to Mulago National Referral Hospital, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit.
However, Nyanjura has now claimed that authorities failed to act promptly after the incident, raising questions about his handling while in state custody.
“I have never been this worried! I have never been this terrified!” she said in an emotional statement. “What did the state do to Dr. Kizza Besigye? When he collapsed in court, instead of immediate medical care, he was held in secret for close to four hours by the very authorities prosecuting him.”
She further alleged that Besigye’s family and personal doctor were denied access during that period, only being allowed to see him later in the evening.
“His family and personal doctor were locked out until 8:00 PM. A week later, he is still incredibly weak and still unable to talk,” Nyanjura claimed.
The remarks add to growing pressure from opposition leaders and civil society groups, who have questioned both the circumstances surrounding the collapse and Besigye’s continued detention.
Some have called for an independent medical assessment and his immediate release on humanitarian grounds.
“Those that wanted to ‘deal with him’ for all these years finally had him all alone, unconscious,” Nyanjura added, suggesting possible foul play, though no official confirmation has been provided.
Court proceedings have since been overshadowed by concerns over Besigye’s fitness to stand trial, with the High Court directing prison authorities to present a medical report on his condition.