Besigye charged with treason in Civilian Court

KAMPALA. Veteran Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye has been formally charged with treason in a civilian court following the transfer of his case from a military tribunal. Treason, a capital offense in Uganda, carries the possibility of a death sentence if convicted.

The 68-year-old politician, who has contested the presidency four times against long-serving leader Yoweri Museveni, was charged alongside two others, though no pleas were entered as the defendants argued the charges required a higher court.

Besigye’s legal troubles began in November when he was reportedly abducted in Kenya and returned to Uganda to face a military trial.

However, a recent Supreme Court ruling deemed the trial of civilians in military courts unconstitutional, prompting the transfer of his case. This decision drew criticism from President Museveni, who labeled it “a wrong decision.”

During his detention, Besigye initiated a hunger strike in protest, which he has since called off, according to his lawyer, Erias Lukwago.

The charges against him allege that he conspired to overthrow Museveni’s government by force, including holding meetings in Switzerland, Greece, and Kenya between 2023 and November 2023 to secure military, financial, and logistical support.

Appearing visibly frail, Besigye was wheeled into the Nakawa Magistrate Court in Kampala alongside his aide, Obeid Lutale, and co-accused Denis Oola, a military officer.

Notably, previous charges of illegal ammunition possession and treachery from the military court were dropped in the civilian case.

During the proceedings, Besigye’s lawyer requested his transfer to a better health facility, but Magistrate Esther Nyadoi denied the application, citing insufficient authority. The court remanded the accused until next month to allow prosecutors to complete their investigations.

Besigye, once Museveni’s personal doctor, has long accused the government of political persecution. While he has been less active in politics in recent years and did not run in the 2021 election, his case continues to draw significant attention amid concerns over Uganda’s political climate and judicial processes.