The son of opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye, Adam Ampa Besigye, has appealed to President Yoweri Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba to consider showing mercy and compassion after his father collapsed during court proceedings.
In an emotional open letter, Adam said he was deeply hurt after watching his father collapse in court, describing the moment as one of the most painful experiences any child could go through.
“Today, my heart broke as I watched my father Kizza Besigye collapse in court,” Adam wrote, saying that his appeal was coming from the heart of a son and not from a political perspective.
He said that regardless of political differences, no child should have to watch their parent reach such a difficult condition while appearing before the same justice system he had served and respected for many years.
Dr. Besigye reportedly collapsed during proceedings at the High Court after objecting to the continuation of his trial, particularly over the appointment of state-funded lawyers to represent him without his approval.
According to reports, Besigye had protested the court’s decision, arguing that he should have a say in choosing his legal representation before the proceedings continued.
Witnesses said that before collapsing, the veteran opposition leader repeatedly called for the process to stop as prosecutors proceeded with the case.
Following the incident, concerns about Besigye’s health condition increased, with his family and supporters calling for urgent attention and proper medical care.
In his letter, Adam directly appealed to President Museveni and Gen. Muhoozi to look beyond political disagreements and consider the humanitarian situation surrounding his father’s continued detention.
“I respectfully ask you to show mercy, compassion, and humanity by allowing my father to regain his freedom,” he wrote.
Adam said his family believes that his father is innocent of the allegations against him and has never intended to harm the President or his family.
He further warned that Uganda could lose one of its most recognised political figures if his health continues to deteriorate.
“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 stated.
The young Besigye also requested that his father be allowed access to proper medical care and all protections provided under the law.
He said that age, health concerns and humanitarian considerations should be taken into account when dealing with his father’s situation.
Dr. Kizza Besigye has been one of Uganda’s most prominent opposition leaders for decades and has challenged President Museveni in several presidential elections.
The long-time opposition figure was once a close ally of Museveni and served as his personal doctor before later becoming one of his strongest political critics.
His current legal case has attracted attention from political supporters, human rights activists and members of the public who continue to debate his detention and health situation.
Adam said he does not want to inherit hatred or bitterness because of his father’s political struggles, but instead hopes for reconciliation among Ugandans.
“As his son, I do not wish to inherit bitterness. I wish to see reconciliation,” he said, calling for unity beyond political differences.
He expressed hope that Uganda would one day look back and remember moments when compassion and humanity were chosen over conflict.
The appeal has sparked reactions from different sections of society, with many Ugandans discussing whether humanitarian considerations should influence decisions regarding Besigye’s continued detention.
As the country awaits further developments, attention remains focused on Besigye’s health, his legal proceedings and whether authorities will respond to his son’s emotional appeal.
