Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye has been admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) in the capital, Kampala, after collapsing unconscious in court during his treason trial, his wife has said.

🌐 Here's What Happened

The 70 year old has been in detention since November 2024. His lead lawyer was arrested last month and charged with allegedly failing to report acts of treason .

The visibly frail politician was objecting to state lawyers being appointed to represent him when he collapsed, prompting prison guards to rush him to hospital.

"He is unconscious, unable to speak, and unresponsive even to a pain stimulus," his wife, Winnie Byanyima, who heads the UN's agency tackling HIV and Aids (UNAids), wrote on X.

📌 Key Details

How a Ugandan opposition leader disappeared in Kenya and ended up in military court

Besigye, who has run for president against long-serving leader Yoweri Museveni four times, was dramatically abducted in Kenya in 2024 and taken back to Uganda.

He has since been held along with his aide, Obeid Lutale, and both have been charged with treason, which they deny.

Prosecutors allege that Besigye and his co-accused plotted to overthrow President Museveni's government.

Treason is a capital offence in Uganda and if found guilty the veteran politician could be sentenced to death.

During Wednesday's hearing at the High Court in Kampala witnesses in court said Besigye repeatedly shouted "stop" about his legal representation before collapsing.

📰 Source: BBC Africa