Kizza Besigye Sent Back to Prison.
Ugandan opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye has been returned to prison after spending more than a week receiving medical treatment following his collapse and loss of consciousness in court.
Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, said her husband was taken back to Luzira Prison in Kampala on August 7, 2026, despite medical advice recommending otherwise.
The 70-year-old opposition leader is facing charges related to alleged treason and an alleged plot to overthrow President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s government.
Besigye was rushed to an intensive care unit in Kampala on July 30 after collapsing and losing consciousness during a court hearing. Before he collapsed, he strongly protested the proceedings, saying he had no confidence in the fairness of his trial.
Shortly before the incident, Besigye had also challenged a court decision to appoint lawyers to represent him. This followed the arrest of his lawyer, Elias Lukwago, who was accused of offences similar to those facing Besigye. Another member of his legal team, Kenyan lawyer and former Justice Minister Martha Karua, was reportedly barred from entering Uganda.
Byanyima has repeatedly condemned the conditions under which her husband is being held, describing his treatment as inhumane. She has also previously alleged that there are plans within the Ugandan government to kill her husband.
Besigye’s return to prison is likely to renew concerns among his supporters and human rights advocates over his health, treatment in detention, and the conduct of his ongoing trial.
