By KT Reporter
The High Court in Kampala has scheduled September 1, 2025, to begin hearing the treason case against People’s Progressive Front (PPF) leader, Col. (Rtd) Dr. Kizza Besigye, his aide Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, and Capt. Dennis Oola of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). The trio faces charges of treason, with prosecutors alleging that they plotted to overthrow the Ugandan government between 2023 and November 2024. They are also accused of failing to report the alleged plot to authorities.
Last month, Besigye and Lutale were denied bail for the third time. Criminal Division Judge Emmanuel Baguma directed that their trial proceed without further delay. Today, Baguma confirmed that the hearing will commence on September 1 at 11 a.m., with Registrar Samuel Twakire issuing notices to all parties.
Prosecution alleges that Besigye and his co-accused held meetings in Geneva, Athens, Nairobi, and Kampala, where they solicited funds, acquired firearms, and discussed military operations targeting the Ugandan government. The state further claims Besigye met foreign operatives, including a Kurdish intelligence agent identified as “AW,” to discuss sabotage, paramilitary training, and an alleged assassination attempt on President Yoweri Museveni using drone technology.
According to prosecutors, Besigye received $5,000 from “AW” to facilitate the transportation of 36 Ugandans to Kisumu, Kenya, for paramilitary training. The recruits were arrested before the training commenced and deported to Uganda, where they were charged with terrorism. The indictment also alleges that Besigye requested military-grade weapons, including surface-to-air missiles, counterfeit currency, and risin poison, with plans to target key military barracks across the country.
The state is expected to present evidence including video and audio recordings, social media chats, immigration records, and phone call logs. Besigye and Lutale were arrested on November 16, 2024, in Kenya, allegedly in possession of pistols and other items. Capt. Oola was reportedly recruited into the scheme in October 2023 and is accused of expressing support for the alleged coup through WhatsApp messages. Prosecution maintains that the accused acted with a common intention and failed to report the treasonous activities, contrary to the law.
-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
