Ugandan opposition figure, Dr Kizza Besigye, his aide Obeid Lutale, and UPDF soldier Denis Oola have been charged with treason at Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court.
Besigye, 67, appeared in court in a wheelchair, visibly frail and escorted by prison warders, while heavily armed security personnel were present.
The charges come after the Supreme Court intervened on January 31, halting the prosecution of civilians by the General Court Martial and transferring their cases to regular courts.
The prosecution accuses Dr Besigye, Lutale, and Oola of conspiring, between 2023 and 2024, to overthrow the Ugandan government by force.
The state claims that they met in various locations, including Geneva, Athens, Nairobi, and Kampala, to plot against the government.
These meetings allegedly involved discussions, planning, and efforts to gather military and financial support for their cause, including sending Ugandans to Kenya for military training.
Additionally, they face an alternative charge of misprision of treason, for not reporting the plot to the authorities.
The court was told that investigations are still ongoing, and as the charges are considered capital in nature, the case can only be heard in the High Court. As such, the accused were not allowed to enter a plea.
Dr Besigye’s lawyer, Erias Lukwago, requested his transfer to a better medical facility due to his deteriorating health. However, Magistrate Esther Nyadoi said she was unable to make such an order, noting that the case must proceed to the High Court first.
The accused remain in custody at Luzira prison, with the next mention fixed for March 7, 2025.
