Adam Ampa Besigye and his mother, Winnie Byanyima
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Adam Ampa Besigye has made an emotional appeal to President Yoweri Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba to release his ailing father, Dr. Kizza Besigye, on humanitarian grounds after the veteran opposition leader collapsed during his treason trial and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
In an open letter released hours after the dramatic courtroom incident on Wednesday, Adam described the ordeal as one of the most painful moments of his life, saying no son should have to watch his father collapse while standing before a court of law.
“Today, my heart broke as I watched my father Kizza Besigye collapse in court,” Adam 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.”
The emotional appeal came after Dr. Besigye, 70, collapsed in the dock during proceedings before the High Court in Kampala and was rushed first to Mbuya Military Hospital before being transferred under heavy security to Mulago National Referral Hospital, where he was admitted to the ICU.
His wife, Winnie Byanyima, later confirmed that the veteran politician was unconscious, unable to speak and unresponsive even to painful stimuli.
The incident forced the suspension of court proceedings and immediately sparked concern among his family, supporters and human rights activists.
In his letter, Adam stressed that his appeal was not motivated by politics but by the pain of watching his father’s health deteriorate.
“I write to you not as a politician, but as a son,” he said, directly addressing President Museveni and Gen. Muhoozi.
He appealed to the country’s two most powerful leaders to show compassion and allow Dr. Besigye to regain his freedom.
“I respectfully ask you to show mercy, compassion and humanity by allowing my father to regain his freedom,” he wrote.
Adam maintained that his family firmly believes Dr. Besigye is innocent of the treason charges he faces and insisted that the opposition leader has never intended harm against the First Family.
“My family firmly believes he is innocent of the allegations against him and has never sought to harm you or your family,” he said.
He added that although his father had spent decades opposing the government, he had always pursued political change through his convictions rather than violence.
The appeal also highlighted growing fears over Dr. Besigye’s worsening health following his prolonged detention since November 2024.
“My father’s health continues to deteriorate,” Adam warned.
“Uganda risks losing not only one of its most recognised political figures but also an opportunity to demonstrate that justice is stronger than political rivalry.”
Adam urged President Museveni and Gen. Muhoozi to take into account his father’s age, frail health and humanitarian considerations rather than focusing solely on the ongoing criminal proceedings.
“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,” he appealed.
He also pleaded for Dr. Besigye to be reunited with his loved ones.
“Above all, I ask that you consider releasing him so he may return to his family and beloved ones.”
Concluding his letter, Adam expressed hope that Uganda could choose reconciliation instead of deepening political divisions.
“As his son, I do not wish to inherit bitterness. I wish to see reconciliation,” he wrote, adding that he hoped future generations would remember that compassion prevailed over conflict.
Neither the Presidency nor the Uganda People’s Defence Forces had publicly responded to the appeal by Thursday morning.
Dr. Besigye collapsed shortly after objecting to the commencement of his trial before the High Court. He protested the appointment of state-funded lawyers to represent him, insisting that the court could not impose legal counsel without his consent.
Witnesses said the visibly weak opposition leader repeatedly shouted “Stop, stop, stop!” while prosecutors prepared to call their first witness before he suddenly lost consciousness.
He has remained in detention since November 2024 after he and his aide, Hajj Obeid Lutale, were arrested in Kenya and returned to Uganda to face treason charges. The two deny allegations that they plotted to overthrow the government.
A former military officer, physician and once President Museveni’s personal doctor, Dr. Besigye later became one of Uganda’s most prominent opposition figures, contesting the presidency four times against the incumbent.
His detention has attracted concern from the Commonwealth as well as several human rights organisations in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, which have repeatedly called for his release, arguing that his continued incarceration raises serious humanitarian and human rights concerns.
His lawyers and supporters also maintain that the charges against him are politically motivated, a claim the government has consistently rejected.
