Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye has been charged with treason, in an escalation of legal troubles stemming from allegations he plotted to remove the country’s long-time leader by force.

Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye appeared briefly in a civilian court as attorneys tried to secure his freedom, but a judge said he was too unwell to follow proceedings.

Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye has been charged with treason in an escalation of legal troubles stemming from allegations he plotted to remove the country’s long-serving leader by force.

Supporters, activists and others have said the 68-year-old needs medical care and should be removed from prison.

A Ugandan court charged opposition leader Kizza Besigye with treason over an alleged plot to end President Yoweri Museveni’s four-decade rule of the East African nation.