Kizza Besigye, a veteran Ugandan opposition leader, has been formally charged with treason in a civilian court after his case was transferred from a military tribunal. The 68-year-old, who has run for president four times against Yoweri Museveni, faces a capital offense that could result in the death penalty if convicted.
The case has been moved following a landmark Supreme Court ruling last month, which declared trying civilians in military courts unconstitutional. The decision angered President Museveni, who called it a “wrong decision.”
Besigye’s Detention and Hunger Strike
Besigye, who was dramatically abducted in Kenya in November and detained in Uganda, began a hunger strike last week to protest his continued detention. He appeared visibly frail in court, wheeled before the Nakawa Magistrate Court in Kampala alongside his aide, Obeid Lutale, and co-accused Denis Oola.
The charge sheet is accusing Besigye of conductinv meetings in Switzerland, Greece, and Kenya between 2023 and November 2023 to plot the overthrow of Museveni’s government. He is also accused of seeking military, financial, and logistical support for the alleged plot.
Charges of illegal possession of ammunition and treachery, previously heard in the military court, were not included in the new civilian court charge sheet.
Besigye’s History with Museveni
Besigye, once Museveni’s personal doctor, has long been a thorn in the president’s side, running against him in four elections. He has accused Ugandan authorities of political persecution and has been less active in politics since opting out of the 2021 election.
This case has reignited debates about political freedom in Uganda, with critics accusing Museveni’s government of using the judiciary to silence opposition. Political analysts have further warned that the trial could further polarize the nation ahead of future elections.
