Good Update! Hope Rises as Kizza Besigye Begins Learning to Speak Again Following Several Months After Fainting In Court

Ugandan opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye has shown signs of hope in his difficult recovery journey after suffering a serious health crisis that left him struggling to speak and walk. The veteran politician is undergoing rehabilitation to regain some of his lost abilities, with his latest condition revealed by former Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura, who recently visited him. Although Besigye still struggles to pronounce simple words, his ability to understand conversations and communicate using an alphabet chart has offered encouragement to his family, colleagues and supporters.

Nyanjura described her visit as an emotional experience, saying she had not seen Besigye since he collapsed at the High Court in Kampala on July 29, 2026. She explained that she had imagined how he might look and the condition he could be in, but nothing prepared her for seeing him struggling to perform basic activities. Watching a man who has spent years at the centre of Uganda's political struggles being taught how to speak and walk again was particularly painful for her.

According to Nyanjura, Besigye has started speech therapy as part of his rehabilitation. A specialist is reportedly helping him practise simple words, including “dog” and “boy,” in an effort to restore his ability to speak. However, he was still unable to pronounce the words during her visit. His recovery remains a gradual process, and the ongoing therapy is intended to help him rebuild his communication abilities following the medical emergency.

Despite his speech difficulties, Nyanjura said Besigye remains mentally alert and can understand what people tell him. He communicates by pointing to letters on an alphabet chart, allowing those around him to form words and sentences. She noted that he sometimes uses gestures when he becomes tired of spelling out his thoughts. His ability to follow conversations and express himself through alternative methods has provided a positive sign amid the uncertainty surrounding his recovery.

Besigye is also experiencing considerable physical weakness, particularly in his hands. Nyanjura revealed that he could not independently hold a bottle of water during her visit, highlighting the extent of the challenges he continues to face. The opposition leader also reportedly could not remember exactly what happened when he collapsed in court. He recalled waking up days later in the intensive care unit at Mulago National Referral Hospital, where he had received emergency medical attention.

The health crisis has raised renewed concerns about Besigye's welfare while in detention. Following his collapse, he was taken to Mulago Hospital before being returned to Luzira Prison in August and subsequently transferred for further medical care. His wife, Winnie Byanyima, has repeatedly expressed concern about his condition and called for his release to enable him to receive specialised treatment abroad. Besigye has been detained since November 2024 and faces treason charges alongside Obeid Lutale and Captain Denis Oola. The accused deny the allegations.

Even as he battles physical difficulties, Besigye has reportedly continued to show interest in Uganda's political situation. Nyanjura said he remained concerned about the country's affairs and encouraged people around him to remain strong. She described him as a determined individual whose sharp mind was still evident despite his condition. During her visit, she also learnt that former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago was receiving treatment at the same facility, although the two opposition figures did not meet.

Nyanjura's account has offered a glimpse into the difficult journey Besigye faces as he works towards regaining his speech, strength and ability to move independently. While he has not yet recovered his ability to pronounce simple words, his mental alertness and use of an alphabet chart have provided some encouragement. His condition is likely to remain a major concern for his family, political colleagues and supporters, who will be watching closely for further updates as his rehabilitation continues.