KAMPALA, Uganda — The son of veteran Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye has made an emotional appeal to President Yoweri Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, urging them to release his father on humanitarian grounds after the former presidential candidate collapsed during court proceedings.
Adam Ampa Besigye issued the appeal in an open letter shared hours after the dramatic courtroom incident on Wednesday, saying it was devastating to watch his father collapse while standing trial.
“Today, my heart broke as I watched my father Dr. Kizza Besigye collapse in court,” he wrote.
“Regardless of politics, no son should have to witness his father reach such a state while standing before the very law he served and dedicated his life.”
His appeal shifts the focus of an already contentious criminal trial beyond politics and into the deeply personal cost borne by families when prolonged legal battles intersect with deteriorating health.
Courtroom drama
The incident occurred during proceedings before the High Court after prosecutors called their first witness in the case against Dr. Besigye and his co-accused, Obed Lutale.
Before collapsing, Dr. Besigye repeatedly interrupted proceedings, objecting to the court’s decision to appoint state-funded lawyers to represent him despite his refusal to accept them.
Witnesses said he repeatedly shouted:
“Stop, stop, stop!”
The opposition politician argued that the court could not impose legal representation without his consent.
Moments later, he collapsed in the dock, prompting concern among lawyers, court officials and supporters present in the courtroom.
The incident has renewed debate over his health and the conditions of his continued detention.
‘Not as a politician, but as a son’
In his letter, Adam Ampa Besigye stressed that his appeal was motivated by family concern rather than political considerations.
“I respectfully ask you to show mercy, compassion, and humanity by allowing my father to regain his freedom.”
He maintained that the family believes Besigye is innocent of the charges he faces.
“My family firmly believes he is innocent of the allegations against him and has never sought to harm you or your family.”
Adam warned that his father’s health had continued to decline and said Uganda risked losing one of its most recognisable political figures.
“My father’s health continues to deteriorate. Uganda risks losing not only one of its most recognized political figures but also an opportunity to demonstrate that justice is stronger than political rivalry.”
He also appealed for Besigye to receive appropriate medical care and all legal protections available to him while in custody.
“I respectfully ask that you consider his age, his declining health, and the humanitarian concerns surrounding his continued detention. Please allow him access to appropriate medical care and every protection afforded under the law.”
Call for reconciliation
Adam concluded the letter with an appeal for national healing rather than continued political division.
“As his son, I do not wish to inherit bitterness. I wish to see reconciliation. I hope that one day Ugandans of every political belief can look back and say that compassion prevailed over conflict.”
Also Read: The betrayal of a comrade: Why Museveni must end the ‘endless injustice’ against Besigye
The statement marks one of the most personal public appeals made by a member of Besigye’s family since his latest arrest and detention.
Government yet to respond
By Wednesday 29, July 2026 evening, neither the Office of the President nor the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) had publicly responded to Adam’s appeal.
Dr. Besigye and Lutale deny charges accusing them of participating in a plot to overthrow the government.
Their trial formally commenced on Wednesday 29, July 2026 after the High Court dismissed objections regarding the appointment of state-funded legal representation.
The courtroom collapse is expected to intensify scrutiny of Dr. Besigye’s health, and could increase pressure on authorities to address growing humanitarian concerns surrounding one of Uganda’s longest-serving opposition figures as the case proceeds.
