Dr. Kizza Besigye’s Arrest: A Plot Beyond Borders or a Borderline Ridiculous Charge?

In a dramatic twist that has left Ugandans questioning the logic behind certain state accusations, former presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Obeid Lutale, were on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, arraigned before the Makindye Military Court Martial. Both pleaded not guilty to four counts, including alleged plots to destabilize Uganda’s security and illegal possession of firearms. They were remanded to Luzira Maximum Security Prison until December 02, 2024.

The duo faced allegations that between October 2023 and November 2024, they conspired to commit criminal offenses in Geneva, Switzerland; Athens, Greece; and Nairobi, Kenya. Prosecutors claimed these actions were intended to destabilize Uganda’s security—a charge many find far-fetched, considering its scope across multiple international jurisdictions.

A Familiar Narrative with a Questionable Twist

The prosecution also alleged that Besigye and Lutale were found in possession of a pistol and rounds of ammunition at River Side Apartments, Nairobi. This claim revisits earlier reports, such as the widely discussed headline in Uganda Today: “https://ugandatoday.co.ug/dr-kizza-besigye-reportedly-arrested-in-nairobi-and-detained-in-kampala-family-demands-immediate-release/” during an operation that sparked global attention. That report underscored the heavy-handed approach often used to detain government critics, raising eyebrows over the motivations behind the charges.

However, what stands out is the absurdity of suggesting that two individuals orchestrated a comprehensive international conspiracy against the state while purportedly stashing weapons in a Kenyan apartment—a storyline some commentators have termed “an overreaching work of fiction.”

The Limits of Credibility

The charges have fueled debates over their plausibility and the timing of Besigye’s arrest. Analysts point to the fact that such accusations often emerge conveniently ahead of politically charged moments, such as elections or significant national events.

Critics argue that the claim of plotting across Switzerland, Greece, and Kenya reflects more on the state’s desperation to justify the arrests than on credible evidence of wrongdoing. How these alleged plots were orchestrated across three continents without detection by local or international authorities remains unexplained.

Questions Over Military Jurisdiction

Adding to the controversy is the decision to try Besigye and Lutale in a military court. Human rights advocates have frequently criticized this practice, emphasizing that civilians should be tried in civilian courts. Besigye, a retired colonel in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), is no stranger to such tactics, having faced numerous charges under similar circumstances in the past.

A Familiar Cycle?

The arrest and arraignment of Besigye continue a pattern of targeting political dissenters under questionable pretenses. As one political analyst noted, “The charges are less about justice and more about creating a chilling effect on opposition figures.”

Whether this case proceeds to trial or fizzles out, it underscores the need for scrutiny over how the justice system is wielded against political opponents. Meanwhile, the absurdity of the charges—spanning international borders and involving implausible conspiracies—leaves many Ugandans questioning the very fabric of their democracy.