Besigye, Lutaale, and Captain Denis Oola were remanded until March 7, 2025, as investigations into charges of treason and misprision of treason continue. Prosecutors allege that the trio, while in various cities including Geneva in Switzerland, Athens in Greece, Nairobi in Kenya, and Kampala in Uganda, solicited firearms and financial support and attended meetings with the intent to overthrow the Ugandan government.

Besigye and Lutaale argued that they were being held in illegal detention without valid remand warrants since the Supreme Court’s decision nullified the military court’s power to try them. However, Judge Singiza ruled that the court must take judicial notice of the proceedings where the applicants were formally charged and remanded under Section 56 of the Evidence Act.

In his ruling, Judge Singiza also addressed the personal attacks he faced on social media, stating that while some insults may be tolerable as fair comments, others, including cartoon drawings depicting him as a Nazi judge, were unacceptable and could amount to criminal prejudice. He reaffirmed the judiciary’s independence and urged those engaging in such behavior to reflect on their conduct and stop it.

Besigye and Lutaale’s application was argued by their lawyers, led by Erias Lukwago, Ernest Kalibala, Medard Lubega Sseggona, and Samuel Muyizzi Mulindwa, but was ultimately dismissed. State Attorneys Johnson Natuhwera and Jackie Amusugut represented the government and argued that Besigye and Lutaale were legally detained in Luzira Prison. They explained that the government had already begun implementing the Supreme Court’s decision to transfer files from military to civilian courts.

The government initiated the Supreme Court’s orders on February 3, 2025, by sending letters to the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs (MoDVA), the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and the Chief Justice. The Chief Justice appointed the Principal Judge, Dr. Flavian Zeija, as the liaison contact to handle all matters related to the transfer of files. The Attorney General’s Chambers received a draft decree from former MP Kabaziguruka’s lawyers on February 13, 2025, which was eventually issued on February 18, 2025.

Despite the legal proceedings and government actions, the trio, including Captain Oola, remains in custody as investigations into the charges against them continue. The ruling by the High Court underscores the importance of following due process and respecting the decisions of the judiciary in upholding the rule of law.

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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.

The post Besigye charged with treason in Civilian Court appeared first on Daily Secrets.

According to Kizza Besigye, the leader of the faction at Katonga, “Police has been alternating the barricading and opening of access to our Katonga Rd offices since morning!”

“This is an attempt to disrupt a presser by the UNITED FORCES OF CHANGE.”

He insisted arrangements continue and the presser will take place.

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