A prominent opposition figure jailed in Uganda for allegedly threatening state security is unwell and in need of urgent medical care.

Opposition leader Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutale stand in a steel dock at the Uganda Military General Court Martial in Makindye, a suburb of Kampala, Uganda December 2, 2024. REUTERS Abubaker Lubowa/File Photo KAMPALA (Reuters) - A prominent opposition figure in Uganda who is on trial in a military tribunal has begun a hunger strike,

Detained Ugandan opposition politician Kizza Besigye has begun a hunger strike as his time spent in detention awaiting trial nears three months. Besigye, 68, was charged in a military court with possession of pistols and attempting to purchase weapons abroad - accusations which he denies.

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he was releasing an additional $2 million to support Uganda's response to its Ebola outbreak, which has killed one person and infected at least eight others.

Health authorities in Uganda say Ebola cases in the country have risen to nine while 265 other people are being monitored under quarantine.