Ailing Besigye, Co-Accused Charged With Treason In A Civilian Court

Detained veteran opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye, his aide Obeid Lutale, and UPDF Captain Denis Oola were formally charged with treason at the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court on February 21, 2025.

The charges mark a major development in Besigye’s case, which has been marred by controversy and concerns over his deteriorating health, every passing day.

As Besigye, visibly weak, was wheeled into the courtroom, the gravity of the situation was palpable. His new charges come weeks after the Supreme Court ruled that the General Court Martial, where Besigye and his co-accused persons were initially charged, had no jurisdiction over civilians.

The highest court in the land ordered the transfer of Besigye’s case to the civilian courts with “competent jurisdiction”, sparking a delicate dance of justice and politics.

According to the prosecution, Besigye, Lutale, and Captain Oola allegedly, contrived a plot to overthrow the Ugandan government between 2023 and November 2024.

The State claims they attended meetings in various countries, including Switzerland, Greece, and Kenya, to further their plot.

The trio also faces an alternative charge of misprision of treason, which carries significant implications.

The prosecution asserted in its allegations that through utterances and overt acts, Besigye and others still at large, aimed at overturning the government.

However, Besigye’s lawyer, Erias Lukwago, requested that his client be transferred to a better health facility outside Luzira prison, citing concerns over his deteriorating health.

Chief Magistrate Esther Nyadoi, however, ruled that she was constrained from ordering Besigye’s transfer due to the capital nature of the charges.

Instead, she ordered speedy investigations to facilitate Besigye’s trial in the High Court. The accused were remanded to Luzira prison until March 7, 2025.

“I am constrained to make such orders given that their offences are capital in nature and can only be tried in High Court. I order for the speedy investigations so that the accused can be committed to High Court for trial,” she said, “the accused are remanded to Luzira prison until March 7, 2025 for mention.”

Besigye’s case has sparked widespread concern, with many questioning the motivations behind the charges.

Meanwhile, Besigye called-off his 10-day hunger strike after reaching its intended goal.

According to Besigye’s attorney Lukwago, his client’s hunger strike achieved its purpose, securing the transfer of his trial to the civilian courts.