The Director of Public Prosecutions, Jane Frances Abodo, has taken over the case of Dr. Kizza Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate, and his co-accused, Hajji Obeid Lutaale Kamulegeya and Captain Denis Oula.
The trio have been charged with treason charges at the Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court, with the DPP dropping previous charges of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
Besigye, who appeared in court in a wheelchair due to his poor health, is accused of conspiring to overthrow the government of Uganda between 2023 and November 2024. The charge sheet alleges that Besigye and his co-accused traveled to various countries, including Switzerland, Greece, and Kenya, to attend meetings and further their plot.
The prosecution also contends that Besigye and his co-accused provided logistical support and organized training for Ugandan citizens in military and intelligence gathering techniques. If found not guilty of treason, the DPP has preferred an alternative charge of misprison of treason.
The Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court has no jurisdiction to entertain a plea on these charges, and the case will be transferred to the High Court, where Besigye and his co-accused will also apply for bail.
The Chief Magistrate Esther Nyadoi has remanded the trio until March 7 for mention.
Besigye’s lawyer, Elias Lukwago, has announced that Besigye has ended his hunger strike and will soon apply for bail.
