By Aggrey Baba
Veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye has been transferred out of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Mulago National Referral Hospital in what his political party described as a positive sign in his battle for survival, although it says his condition remains worrying as he still can’t feed normally and hardly recognizes people.
The update was given Monday by People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) chairperson and acting president Michael Lulume Bayiga after party leaders visited Besigye at Mulago last Friday following last week’s dramatic courtroom collapse that forced the suspension of his treason trial.
Dr. Lulume said the delegation first met Mulago Executive Director Dr. Rosemary Byanyima’s deputy before being briefed on Besigye’s condition.
“We found that he was still in ICU, feeding through a nasogastric tube, catheterized and on oxygen,” Dr. Lulume Bayiga said.
He added that the party has since received fresh information that Besigye has now been moved from the ICU to the sixth floor of Mulago, an indication that doctors believe his condition has stabilized enough to leave critical care. However, Bayiga said the four-time presidential candidate remains far from recovery.
“He is still feeding through a nasogastric tube and he hardly recognizes people. His cognitive functions have not yet returned to normal.”
The development comes days after Besigye collapsed inside the High Court during proceedings in his treason case before Justice Emmanuel Baguma. His sudden collapse caused panic among friends and Besigye supporters who watched helplessly as security personnel took charge of the situation before rushing him away under heavy guard. His lawyers had earlier asked court to allow him access to treatment at a health facility of his choice, but the application was declined.
PFF has maintained that Besigye’s deteriorating health is directly linked to his continued incarceration and the manner in which his case has been handled.
Dr. Lulume accused authorities of denying Besigye immediate assistance from colleagues and family members who were present in court when he collapsed, arguing that several qualified medical doctors, including Besigye’s sister Dr. Olive Kobusingye, could have intervened immediately.
“We were denied access to him at the very moment he needed us most,” Dr. Lulume said, describing Besigye as a man paying a heavy personal price in pursuit of justice for all Ugandans.
“This is not about Dr. Besigye alone. He is dying for all of us. He did not collapse because of personal problems. He collapsed while protesting an unfair trial and fighting for justice that benefits every Ugandan.”
According to him, the legal battle surrounding Besigye’s case goes beyond the opposition leader himself and raises broader concerns about access to justice for ordinary Ugandans who can’t afford lawyers and are allegedly denied the opportunity to fully defend themselves in court.
The former Buikwe South MP also revealed that leaders of several political parties recently wrote to Chief Justice Flavian Zeija seeking a meeting to discuss the declining state of Uganda’s judiciary.
“He has not yet responded, but we shall continue seeking an audience because judicial officers derive their authority from the people. We believe there are serious issues affecting the administration of justice that must be addressed,” said.
Despite expressing relief that Besigye is no longer in intensive care, Bayiga urged Ugandans to continue praying for the veteran opposition politician, saying the battle was not yet over.
“We continue to pray that God saves Dr. Besigye. Uganda still needs him, and this country needs justice.”
