People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) Secretary General Harold Kaija has raised fresh concerns over the health of opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye, accusing the Ugandan government of withholding information about his condition as his treason trial proceeds.
Kaija said the State had failed to adequately explain Besigye’s current medical condition while maintaining that the court proceedings should continue even in his absence.
In a strongly worded statement, the PFF official claimed Besigye was too ill to participate in the proceedings, arguing that his condition raises fundamental questions about the fairness of the trial.
“The State refuse to tell Uganda how Dr Kizza Besigye truly is. Instead, they declare the trial will go on without him,” Kaija said.
He further alleged that Besigye was unable to speak, write or stand, describing him as unfit to face trial in his current condition.
“You cannot try a man you have broken. This is not a trial. This is persecution,” Kaija added.
His remarks come as the High Court continues hearing evidence in the treason case against Besigye and his co-accused. The prosecution has already called witnesses, including American private security contractor Andrew Wilson, who has made serious allegations concerning an alleged plot to overthrow the Ugandan government and an alleged plan to assassinate President Yoweri Museveni.
The allegations remain unproven in court, and Besigye has denied the accusations.
Besigye’s health has emerged as a significant issue in the proceedings. He collapsed in court on July 29 after protesting against the continuation of the trial without members of his preferred legal team and was subsequently taken to hospital.
Kaija also criticised what he described as restrictions on public discussion of Besigye’s condition, claiming that mainstream media had been prevented from adequately reporting the matter.
“If they could, they would try to stop Kenya,” he said, without elaborating on the remark.
The PFF official’s intervention adds to growing political pressure surrounding the trial, particularly over whether Besigye is medically fit to participate and whether proceedings can continue in his absence.
The High Court has previously allowed the prosecution to proceed with its evidence, while legal disputes over Besigye’s representation and fitness to stand trial remain central to the case.