Kizza Besigye, a 69-year-old veteran opposition leader in Uganda, is critically ill and has been taken to a private hospital in Kampala under heavy security, his party, the People's Front for Freedom (PFF), said. Besigye has been detained since November 2024 and charged with treason, illegal firearm possession, and threatening national security. He denies these charges. Prison authorities deny that his health is critical, saying his hospital visit was a general check-up. PFF condemned Uganda’s refusal to allow proper medical care, calling it "a tragedy" and holding the government accountable. Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, said he suffers from acute stomach pain, high fever, severe dehydration, and weakness. She added, "He was shaking and unable to walk. He is seriously ill and he refused to be treated by the prison authorities." This is not the first serious illness Besigye has had in detention. Last February, he was also critically ill after a hunger strike. Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate against President Yoweri Museveni, has been less active in recent years and did not contest the latest election. His continued detention and denied bail have drawn protests from supporters and human rights groups. President Museveni blames legal delays for Besigye’s detention. Museveni recently won a sixth term with 72% of the vote, amid opposition claims of fraud. BBC Africa continues to cover Uganda’s political tensions and health concerns surrounding Besigye.