By Eye Media Ug | Kampala | August 1, 2026
Leaders of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) were on Friday denied access to party leader Dr Kizza Besigye during a visit to Mulago National Referral Hospital, where he remains admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after collapsing during a High Court session earlier this week.
The delegation said it had visited the hospital to confirm Besigye’s admission and express solidarity with the veteran opposition politician but was informed that they would not be allowed to see him.
Mulago National Referral Hospital Deputy Executive Director, Dr John Ssekabira, confirmed that Besigye is receiving treatment in the ICU but declined to disclose details about his medical condition, citing patient confidentiality.
He explained that only Besigye’s next of kin or an authorised family representative could provide updates on his health.
Speaking after the visit, PFF Vice President for Western Uganda, Dr Nicholas Thadeus Kamara, said the party respected the hospital’s position but wanted assurance that its leader was receiving proper medical care.
“We came to visit Besigye to confirm if he was at the hospital, though we were denied access,” Kamara said.
He announced that the party had suspended all political activities at its headquarters until Besigye’s condition improves, saying it would be inappropriate to continue with normal programmes while the party leader remains critically ill.
Kamara also appealed to party supporters and the public to keep Besigye in their prayers as he undergoes treatment.
PFF Women’s League Chairperson Ingrid Turinawe said women within the party were considering holding a peaceful vigil at Mulago Hospital if Besigye remains in a coma.
According to Turinawe, supporters plan to bring flowers, messages of encouragement and other symbolic items before camping at the hospital beginning Monday.
Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and longtime government critic, collapsed during Wednesday’s High Court proceedings while raising objections over aspects of his legal representation in an ongoing treason case.
Witnesses said he appeared visibly weak before losing consciousness and was rushed by ambulance to Mulago National Referral Hospital.
His wife, Winnie Byanyima, earlier said he was unconscious and unresponsive following the incident, prompting the court to suspend proceedings.
The PFF has repeatedly expressed concern over Besigye’s health and the conditions under which he is being detained.
Friday’s visit by party leaders, despite being denied access, highlighted continued concern within the opposition over Besigye’s condition as he remains under specialised medical care.
