Byanyima said on Sunday that Besigye, who has been in custody since November 2024, remained weak and required continued care following his recent health challenges.
“I am hurt, angry and anxious. Kizza Besigye has been returned to his prison cell, and his sisters who have been caring for him at the prison hospital have been sent away,” Byanyima said.
She added that he was still extremely weak and expressed concern that conditions in prison could affect his recovery.
The Uganda Prisons Service had not immediately commented on Besigye’s transfer or his current condition.
Besigye’s health has been under scrutiny since he collapsed during a court session in Kampala on July 29 while attending proceedings in his treason case.
A subsequent psychiatric assessment found that he remained alert and able to understand information but had difficulty speaking or writing. Doctors said he had preserved comprehension but an impairment affecting his ability to express himself, which could interfere with his participation in his defence.
According to the medical report, Besigye could communicate by pointing to letters and numbers, although doctors noted that the method made it difficult for him to provide detailed instructions or communicate effectively about his case.
The medical team recommended further assessment and continued speech, language, physical, occupational and neurological rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, proceedings in the treason case against Besigye and his co-accused have continued. Justice Emmanuel Baguma allowed the trial to proceed despite Besigye’s absence on medical grounds, with prosecution witness Wilson Orlando giving testimony.
The medical assessment did not categorically declare Besigye unfit to stand trial but noted that his communication difficulties could affect his ability to participate meaningfully in the proceedings.
Besigye, 70, is jointly charged with Hajj Obeid Lutale and Capt. Denis Oola with treason-related offences stemming from allegations that they travelled to Kenya and held meetings aimed at plotting to overthrow the Ugandan government. The three have denied the charges.
Besigye and Lutale were detained in November 2024 after they were brought back to Uganda from neighbouring Kenya, where they had travelled before their arrest. Besigye has since remained in custody as the case proceeds.
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