Besigye Transfered From Luzira Hospital Back To Cell, ‘Caregiver Sent Away’ As Byanyima Fumes Venom

By Swift Reporter

Jailed opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye has been discharged from the Luzira Prison hospital and returned to his prison cell, prompting renewed concern from his family over his ability to recover while in custody.

Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, said the decision was made despite her husband remaining in a weakened condition following a serious health episode that saw him collapse during a court appearance last month.

Byanyima also said Besigye’s sister, Dr Olive Kobusingye, who had been staying at Luzira Maximum Security Prison to assist with his care, had been asked to leave.

In an update issued shortly after midnight on August 24, 2026, Byanyima expressed concern about the development and questioned whether the prison environment would provide the support her husband needs.

“I am hurt, angry and anxious,” Byanyima said.

Dr Kobusingye reportedly moved into the prison about two weeks ago to provide round-the-clock support to Besigye as he continued his recovery.

The latest development comes as Besigye’s treason case remains before court, with his health having emerged as a key issue in determining his ability to participate effectively in the proceedings.

There was no immediate statement from the Uganda Prisons Service explaining why Besigye was discharged from the prison hospital or the circumstances under which his sister was reportedly required to leave.

Besigye’s condition deteriorated on July 29 when he collapsed during proceedings at the High Court in Kampala.

He was subsequently taken to Mulago National Referral Hospital for treatment. At the time, Byanyima said he was unconscious, unable to speak and unresponsive.

He was later returned to Luzira Prison, although his family continued to raise concerns about his recovery, with Byanyima previously saying that he could neither walk nor speak without assistance.

A psychiatric assessment conducted by specialists from Mulago at Luzira Staff Hospital on August 16 provided a more detailed picture of his condition.

According to the assessment, Besigye remained unable to speak or write following his collapse. Doctors instead communicated with him through verbal questions, while he used a paper keyboard containing letters and numbers to point out responses.

Despite the communication difficulties, the specialists found that his comprehension appeared to be preserved.

He was described as alert and oriented to the person, place and time, and capable of following verbal questions.

Medical examinations also found chronic changes on his brain imaging but no evidence of an acute infarction or haemorrhage. An electroencephalogram (EEG), however, showed features consistent with diffuse encephalopathy.

The medical assessment did not provide a final determination on whether Besigye was fit to stand trial.

Although doctors found several cognitive functions to be preserved, they recommended further assessment to determine whether he could adequately communicate his preferences and effectively engage with his defence lawyers.

The issue is significant because Besigye’s ongoing criminal proceedings require him to understand the proceedings and communicate sufficiently with his legal team.

His family has consequently continued to call for appropriate medical care and support as he remains in custody.

Byanyima has also expressed concern that her husband could be required to return to court before his recovery is complete.

The latest development has therefore placed renewed focus on Besigye’s medical condition and the arrangements for his care as his legal battle continues.

For now, his family remains concerned about whether returning him to a regular prison cell, rather than keeping him under medical supervision, could affect his recovery.