Jailed Ugandan opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye has been discharged from the Luzira Prison hospital and returned to his prison cell, according to his wife Winnie Byanyima, who has raised fresh concerns about his health condition.

Byanyima said the decision to move Besigye from the prison hospital came as his recovery from a recent health crisis was still ongoing, leaving the family worried about whether he was receiving the support he needs.

She also revealed that Besigye’s sister, Dr Olive Kobusingye, who had been assisting with his care at the prison hospital, was sent back home after spending time with him.

Dr Kobusingye had reportedly moved to Luzira Maximum Security Prison about two weeks earlier to provide close support as Besigye recovered from his medical challenges.

In an update shared shortly after midnight on August 24, 2026, Byanyima expressed frustration and anxiety over the development, saying her husband remained extremely weak and still required assistance.

“I am hurt, angry and anxious,” Byanyima said while commenting on Besigye’s condition and the decision to discharge him from the prison hospital.

The former presidential candidate’s wife said she feared that returning him to normal prison conditions could affect his recovery and raised concerns that he might be required to appear in court despite his health challenges.

There was no immediate public explanation from the Uganda Prisons Service regarding why Besigye was discharged from the prison hospital or why his relative was reportedly asked to leave.

Besigye’s health problems became a major public concern after he collapsed during court proceedings at the High Court in Kampala on July 29, 2026.

Following the collapse, he was taken to Mulago National Referral Hospital, where Byanyima initially reported that he was unconscious, unable to speak and unable to respond normally.

He was later returned to Luzira Prison, although his family continued to express concern that he was unable to walk or communicate without support.

A psychiatric assessment by specialists from Mulago National Referral Hospital at Luzira Staff Hospital on August 16 provided further details about his condition.

The doctors found that Besigye remained unable to speak or write after the collapse, making communication difficult.

According to the assessment, specialists communicated with him through verbal questions and a paper keyboard containing letters and numbers, which he pointed at to form responses.

The medical team, however, noted that his understanding appeared to remain intact, saying he was alert, aware of his surroundings and able to follow verbal instructions.

Doctors also reported that brain scans showed chronic changes but no signs of an acute stroke or bleeding in the brain.

However, an EEG test showed features of diffuse encephalopathy, a condition indicating a widespread disturbance affecting brain function.

The assessment did not give a final conclusion on whether Besigye was medically fit to continue with his trial.

The specialists said that although some cognitive abilities appeared preserved, additional evaluation was needed to determine whether he could effectively communicate his decisions and work with his defence lawyers.

Besigye, a longtime opposition leader and former presidential candidate, has been facing legal proceedings that have attracted significant public attention both inside and outside Uganda.

His supporters have repeatedly raised concerns about his health, treatment while in custody and ability to participate in court proceedings.

Government authorities have maintained that legal matters involving Besigye are being handled through established judicial procedures.

The latest developments surrounding his discharge from the prison hospital are expected to renew debate about his health, medical care and the progress of his ongoing court case.