KAMPALA, Uganda — A High Court judge on Wednesday rejected a request by lawyers for opposition leader Kizza Besigye to transfer him from prison to a private hospital, ruling there was no evidence his medical needs could not be addressed in custody.
Justice Emmanuel Baguma of the Criminal Division of the High Court issued the ruling after defense attorneys objected to a proposal to conduct court proceedings via Zoom. Prison authorities had requested the virtual hearing, stating Besigye was too ill to be produced physically in court.
Baguma instead granted a three-week adjournment and ordered that Besigye be brought to court in person when the trial resumes Feb. 24.
“I have not seen a suggestion at this stage that his health concerns cannot be handled in Luzira,” Baguma said, referring to the prison where the four-time presidential candidate is held.
Defense lawyers, led by Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, argued that virtual proceedings were procedurally flawed and that the explanation for Besigye’s absence was insufficient. Lukwago said Besigye was seriously unwell and should be moved to a facility of his choice.
“Instead of proceedings on Zoom, we pray that Besigye be transferred to a health facility of his choice to get the treatment he deserves,” Lukwago told the court.
Attorney Fredrick Mpanga questioned the lack of information regarding the nature of the illness. He said the defense could not assess whether the accused was of sound mind or physically able to stand trial. Another lawyer, Brian Turiinawe, said he visited Besigye in prison and found him unable to leave his cell even for legal consultations.
Chief State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka said the prosecution sympathized with Besigye but maintained that a virtual appearance was lawful and intended to help the court understand his condition.
Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, said at a Tuesday news conference that her husband had been ill since last week and was initially denied medical attention. She said she found him late Monday with acute stomach pain, a high temperature and severe dehydration.
Byanyima said Besigye had refused treatment from prison staff, insisting on his personal physician. She added that while he was eventually seen by his doctor and placed on a drip, prison officials later told her further medical access would require approval from higher authorities.
Besigye is facing treason charges alongside his aide, Obeid Lutale, and Capt. Dennis Oola. The court previously entered not-guilty pleas on their behalf after they declined to plead.
