Dr. Kizza Besigye and his aide, Hajji Obeid Lutale, appeared before the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court on Friday, where they were formally charged with treason.
Chief Magistrate Esther Nyadoi informed them that the court lacked jurisdiction to try the case. Assistant DPP Lino Anguzu then requested an adjournment, citing incomplete investigations and unprepared committal papers.
The defense team, led by Erias Lukwago, expressed concern about the military’s presence guarding the accused in court and requested that they be replaced by police. Lukwago emphasized that these new charges are unrelated to previous cases before the General Court Martial.
The new charges allege that Besigye, Lutale, and Captain Denis Oola, a UPDF officer, conspired to overthrow the Ugandan government by force between 2023 and November 2024 in various locations, including Geneva, Athens, Nairobi, and Kampala. They also face alternative charges of misprision of treason for allegedly failing to report a plot to commit treason.
These new charges do not include the initial counts of unlawful possession of a pistol and eight bullets.
Besigye’s health has reportedly deteriorated, leaving him unable to walk unaided and reliant on a wheelchair. His lawyers have urged the court to grant him bail, citing his poor health and the need for urgent medical attention.
The case has been adjourned until March 7, 2025, pending further investigations.
This development coincides with a pending ruling from the High Court civil division on a habeas corpus application seeking Besigye’s unconditional release, as ordered by the Supreme Court.
