There was panic at Uganda’s High Court on Wednesday after veteran opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye collapsed during a hearing in his ongoing treason case.
The dramatic incident briefly brought proceedings to a halt as lawyers, court officials and supporters rushed to his aid after he fell inside the courtroom.
Reports indicate Besigye collapsed after protesting the court’s decision to proceed with the hearing while insisting that issues surrounding his legal representation had not been fully resolved.
The latest health scare is expected to renew concerns over the condition of the four-time Ugandan presidential candidate, whose health has been under scrutiny since his detention.
Besigye is facing treason charges alongside his co-accused, Hajj Obeid Lutale. The High Court recently cleared the way for the trial to proceed after dismissing an application seeking to halt the case.
Earlier on Wednesday, Uganda’s Judiciary announced tighter media restrictions, barring mobile phones, photography and video recording inside the courtroom, saying the measures were aimed at protecting the integrity of the proceedings.
Videos circulating on social media showed a tense courtroom moments after Besigye collapsed, with lawyers and supporters surrounding him as proceedings were temporarily interrupted.
The incident is likely to intensify concerns from his supporters and human rights groups, who have repeatedly raised questions over his health and treatment while in custody.
