Ugandan opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye is undergoing rehabilitation to regain his ability to speak and walk after suffering a serious health setback following his collapse in court. The latest update was shared by former Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura, who visited the detained politician and described his condition as heartbreaking.

Although Besigye is still struggling to pronounce simple words, his ability to understand conversations and communicate through an alphabet chart has offered some hope to those concerned about his recovery.Nyanjura revealed that her visit was the first opportunity she had received to see Besigye since he collapsed at the High Court in Kampala on July 29, 2026.

She said she had imagined many things about his appearance and condition before meeting him, but seeing him being taught how to walk and talk again was deeply painful. Her account has renewed attention to the health challenges facing the veteran opposition leader, whose condition has worried his family, political colleagues and supporters.

According to Nyanjura, Besigye is receiving speech therapy, with a specialist using a chart containing simple words such as “dog” and “boy” to help him practise speaking. However, he had not yet succeeded in pronouncing the words at the time of her visit. The rehabilitation process is continuing as he works to regain his ability to communicate verbally following the medical emergency.

Nyanjura explained that Besigye currently communicates by pointing to letters on an alphabet chart, which visitors use to form words and sentences. Despite his speech difficulties, she said he remains mentally alert and understands what people say to him. She was impressed by his ability to communicate through the alphabet, adding that he sometimes uses gestures when he becomes tired of spelling out words.

His mental alertness has provided an encouraging aspect of an otherwise difficult recovery.However, Besigye continues to experience significant physical weakness, particularly in his hands. Nyanjura disclosed that he could not hold a bottle of water without assistance. She also said he could not remember exactly what happened during his collapse in court, recalling only that he woke up days later in the intensive care unit at Mulago National Referral Hospital.

The revelations highlight the challenges he faces as he continues receiving medical attention and rehabilitation.Besigye collapsed during proceedings in his treason case on July 29, 2026, and was rushed to Mulago Hospital for emergency treatment. After spending several days in hospital, he was returned to Luzira Prison in August before being transferred for further medical care.

His wife, Winnie Byanyima, has repeatedly raised concerns about his health and called for his release to enable him to access specialised treatment abroad. Besigye has been in detention since November 2024 and faces treason charges alongside Obeid Lutale and Capt Denis Oola, who deny the allegations.Despite his condition, Nyanjura said Besigye remained concerned about Uganda’s political situation and continued encouraging those around him to persevere.

She described him as a determined person whose sharp mind remained evident despite his physical difficulties. She also revealed that former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago was receiving treatment at the same facility, although the two opposition politicians had not met during her visit.Nyanjura described seeing Besigye in his current condition as deeply painful but said his determination had given her hope.

Her account has provided a glimpse into the difficult rehabilitation journey facing the opposition leader as he works to regain his speech and physical strength. Although he has not yet recovered his ability to pronounce simple words, the ongoing therapy and his ability to understand and communicate through an alphabet chart remain important developments as his supporters await further updates on his health.