Former presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye, along with his co-accused Hajji Obeid Lutale and Captain Denis Oola, has been charged with treason.
Besigye, appearing frail, was wheeled into court following a Supreme Court ruling that suspended all proceedings in the General Court Martial.
In her judgment, Justice Catherine Bamugemereire ruled that the General Court Martial is a military tribunal without constitutional authority to try civilians.
She argued that its structure and procedures violate principles of fairness and impartiality enshrined in Uganda’s Constitution. Justice Monica Mugenyi echoed similar concerns, declaring the court martial inconsistent with the Constitution.
The accused were allegedly abducted last year in Nairobi, where they had attended a book launch hosted by Kenyan opposition politician and lawyer Martha Karua.
According to the charge sheet, they traveled to various countries, including Switzerland, Greece, and Kenya, to attend meetings aimed at plotting to overthrow the Ugandan government. Prosecutors claim the accused met with various individuals both physically and virtually in Geneva, Athens, Nairobi, and Kampala to further this agenda.
Furthermore, the prosecution asserts that between 2023 and November 2024, Besigye, Lutale, and Oola along with others still at large failed to report knowledge of an impending act of treason to the relevant authorities, including the Minister, an administrative officer, a Magistrate, or a police officer, as required by law.
The preisiding magistrate Esther Nyandoi adjourned that matter to March 7,2025.
