Veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye has reportedly moved out of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Mulago National Referral Hospital, in what his supporters describe as a positive development in his health journey.
However, despite leaving the ICU, reports indicate that the four-time presidential candidate remains in a worrying condition and is yet to fully recover.
According to People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) chairperson and acting party president Michael Lulume Bayiga, Besigye’s condition has improved slightly but he still faces serious health challenges.
Bayiga revealed that Besigye is currently unable to feed normally and is still receiving nutrition through a nasogastric tube as doctors continue monitoring his recovery.
“He is still feeding through a nasogastric tube and he hardly recognizes people. His cognitive functions have not yet returned to normal,” Bayiga said.
The update comes after PFF leaders visited Besigye at Mulago Hospital following his dramatic collapse during court proceedings last week.
Bayiga said the party delegation was briefed about Besigye’s condition before visiting him and learnt that he had initially been in ICU, where he was receiving specialized medical care.
“We found that he was still in ICU, feeding through a nasogastric tube, catheterized and on oxygen,” Bayiga explained.
The PFF leader later confirmed that Besigye had been transferred from ICU to another ward on the sixth floor of Mulago Hospital after doctors observed some level of stabilization.
However, he cautioned that the development should not be interpreted as full recovery, saying the opposition leader still requires close medical attention.
Besigye’s health crisis started after he collapsed inside the High Court during proceedings in his treason case before Justice Emmanuel Baguma.
The incident shocked his supporters, family members and political allies, who watched as the veteran politician struggled before being taken away for emergency medical attention.
Before his collapse, Besigye had raised concerns over the court process, particularly the decision to proceed with state-appointed lawyers representing him despite his objections.
His legal team had argued that he should be allowed to choose his own lawyers, saying the right to legal representation is a fundamental part of a fair trial.
Following his collapse, court proceedings were suspended as he was rushed to Mulago National Referral Hospital under security escort.
His wife, Winnie Byanyima, previously revealed that Besigye was in a fragile condition, saying he could hear people around him but was unable to communicate properly.
The latest update from PFF has brought some relief among his supporters, although many remain concerned about his inability to recognize visitors and feed independently.
Bayiga also accused authorities of failing to allow immediate access to Besigye by his family members and medical professionals who were present when he collapsed in court.
He argued that people close to Besigye, including medical personnel within his family, could have provided assistance at the time of the emergency.
PFF leaders have continued to call for prayers and support for the veteran opposition politician, saying his condition remains a matter of national concern.
The party insists that Besigye’s health situation is connected to the circumstances surrounding his detention and the handling of his ongoing court case.
Meanwhile, Ugandans continue waiting for further updates from his family, doctors and political allies regarding his recovery.
Although his movement from ICU has been welcomed as a positive sign, concerns remain over when he will regain full strength and resume normal communication.
For now, Dr. Kizza Besigye remains under medical observation at Mulago Hospital as doctors continue working to restore his health.
