Besigye’s Son Appeals to Museveni, Muhoozi After Father Collapses in Court

Adam Ampa Besigye with his father in the past

Adam Ampa Besigye, the son of opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye, has appealed to President Yoweri Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba to release his father on humanitarian grounds after he collapsed during court proceedings on Wednesday.

In an open letter shared hours after the incident, Ampa said watching his father collapse in court had been heartbreaking and urged the country’s top leaders to show compassion.

“Today, my heart broke as I watched my father Kizza Besigye collapse in court,” he wrote.

“Regardless of politics, no son should have to witness his father reach such a state while standing before the very law he served and dedicated his life.”

Dr. Besigye collapsed in the dock after protesting the commencement of his trial before the High Court.

He had objected to proceedings continuing after Justice Emmanuel Baguma appointed state-funded lawyers to represent him, insisting that the court could not impose legal representation without his consent.

Before collapsing, witnesses said Besigye repeatedly shouted, “Stop, stop, stop!”, as prosecutors proceeded to examine their first witness.

In his appeal, Ampa said he was writing “not as a politician, but as a son,” asking the President and Gen. Muhoozi to consider his father’s age, deteriorating health and humanitarian circumstances.

“I respectfully ask you to show mercy, compassion, and humanity by allowing my father to regain his freedom,” he wrote.

“My family firmly believes he is innocent of the allegations against him and has never sought to harm you or your family.”

Adam warned that his father’s health continued to deteriorate and said Uganda faced the prospect of losing one of its best-known political figures.

“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 said.

He also appealed for Besigye to receive appropriate medical care and legal protections while in custody.

“I respectfully ask that you consider his age, his declining health, and the humanitarian concerns surrounding his continued detention. Please allow him access to appropriate medical care and every protection afforded under the law.”

Concluding his letter, Adam said he hoped the country would choose reconciliation over division.

“As his son, I do not wish to inherit bitterness. I wish to see reconciliation. I hope that one day Ugandans of every political belief can look back and say that compassion prevailed over conflict.”

Neither the Presidency nor the Uganda People’s Defence Forces had publicly responded to the appeal by Wednesday evening.

Besigye and his co-accused, Obed Lutale, deny charges alleging involvement in a plot to overthrow the government. Their trial began on Wednesday after the High Court overruled objections regarding state-appointed legal representation.