Dr. Kizza Besigye Charged with Treason
His co-accused, Obeid Lutale, is a longtime aide, while Denis Oola is a military officer. Notably, charges previously heard in the military court—illegal possession of ammunition and treachery—were omitted from the new charge sheet.
Uganda Today edition: Dr. Kizza Besigye Charged with Treason in Nakawa Court After Military Trial Declared Unconstitutional
By Uganda Today News Desk February 21, 2025
KAMPALA – Veteran Ugandan opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye was formally charged with treason at Nakawa Magistrates’ Court on Friday, following the transfer of his case from a military tribunal.
Besigye, 68, faces accusations of plotting to overthrow President Yoweri Museveni’s government by force, a charge that carries the death penalty if he is found guilty. He appeared before the court alongside his co-accused, Obeid Lutale and Denis Oola, but none of the suspects were allowed to enter a plea since treason cases can only be heard by a higher court.
This marks the first time Besigye has appeared in a civilian court since his dramatic abduction in Kenya last November, which saw him forcibly returned to Uganda to face trial in a military court. However, in a landmark ruling last month, Uganda’s Supreme Court declared the trial of civilians in military courts unconstitutional and ordered such cases to be transferred to civilian courts.
Museveni Furious Over Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court’s decision angered President Museveni, who publicly criticized the ruling as “a wrong decision.” The veteran leader, in power since 1986, has frequently clashed with Besigye, his former personal physician, who has challenged him in four presidential elections.
Despite the ruling, Besigye remained in detention, prompting him to launch a hunger strike last week in protest against his continued incarceration. Appearing frail, he was wheeled into the courtroom on Friday, where his lawyer, Erias Lukwago, announced that Besigye had called off his hunger strike.
The New Charges Against Besigye
The charge sheet presented before court alleges that Besigye held meetings in Switzerland, Greece, and Kenya between 2023 and November 2024 as part of a conspiracy to remove Museveni from power. He is also accused of soliciting military, financial, and logistical support to facilitate regime change.
His co-accused, Obeid Lutale, is a longtime aide, while Denis Oola is a military officer. Notably, charges previously heard in the military court—illegal possession of ammunition and treachery—were omitted from the new charge sheet.
Court Denies Bail, Rejects Transfer to Better Health Facility
During the court proceedings, Besigye’s lawyer requested that he be transferred to a better-equipped health facility outside prison, citing his deteriorating condition. However, Magistrate Esther Nyadoi dismissed the application, stating she lacked the authority to grant such a request.
She ordered that Besigye and his co-accused remain in custody until next month to allow prosecutors to complete investigations.
A History of Political Persecution
Besigye has long accused the Museveni regime of using trumped-up charges to suppress political opposition. His political career has been marked by multiple arrests, detentions, and allegations of torture. While he did not contest the 2021 elections, he remains a significant figure in Uganda’s opposition.
The continued crackdown on opposition leaders raises fresh concerns about the state of democracy and political freedoms in Uganda. With the next court hearing scheduled for next month, many await to see whether Besigye will be granted fair judicial proceedings or if his case will follow the familiar pattern of politically motivated persecution.
This story will be updated as more details emerge.
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