A prisons officer has told the High Court that veteran opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye is still admitted at Mulago National Referral Hospital and is unable to appear for his ongoing treason trial. The update was given on Tuesday during proceedings before Justice Emmanuel Baguma. Besigye is jointly charged with Hajj Obeid Lutale and Capt Denis Oola. Defence lawyers argued that Besigye’s continued absence affects his right to a fair trial. They requested that a medical doctor, rather than a prisons officer, be allowed to present his health report to the court. Prosecution counsel responded that they had not yet reviewed the medical letter. They further submitted that an accused person’s constitutional right to be present during trial is not absolute. Besigye collapsed in the dock on 29 July during an earlier hearing and was rushed to Mulago, where he has remained under treatment. The trial has faced repeated delays linked to his health and questions over legal representation. Court is expected to determine the way forward after considering the medical information and submissions from both sides.