Ailing veteran politician Dr. Kizza Besigye, has been produced at Nakawa chief Magistrates Court in a wheelchair and charged with the offence of treason before he was remanded to Luzira prison .
Besigye was produced together with his co-accused UPDF Capt. Denis Oola and Hajji Obeid Lutale. They were remanded until 7th March, 2025 when they will appear in a high court because the offences preferred against them are of a capital nature and only tried by the High Court of Uganda.
According to the new charged before a civilian court, the accused persons , along with others still at large, allegedly carried out activities aimed at overthrowing the government of Uganda by force of arms between 2023 and November 2024. The charge sheet details a series of meetings held in Switzerland, Greece, Kenya, and Uganda, where they reportedly conspired to execute a coup.
The primary charge of treason is contrary to Section 23(1)(c) of the Penal Code Act, Cap 128. The particulars of the offense indicate that Dr. Besigye, Lutale, and Capt. Oola thus : Traveled to Switzerland, Greece, and Kenya to attend meetings aimed at furthering a plan to overthrow the government; Held discussions in Geneva, Athens, Nairobi, and Kampala with various individuals, physically and virtually, to advance the alleged plot; Expressed their intent to overthrow the government in private conversations; Facilitated logistical support for Ugandan citizens to receive military and intelligence training in Kisumu, Kenya and Sought military, financial, and other resources to support the alleged coup.
The trio are also charged alternative offence of misprision of treason, under Section 25 of the Penal Code Act, for allegedly failing to report knowledge of an impending treasonous act to the authorities.
The prosecution told court that the nature of the charges warranted continued detention of the accused persons as the state continues with its investigations.
