Andrew Wilson Orlando tells court of special power bank that recorded Besigye coup plot

What the report says

The High Court in Kampala has heard testimony from private security investigator Andrew Wilson Orlando in Uganda’s treason case against opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye, Obeid Lutale and Capt. Denis Oola. According to the evidence reported by The Independent Uganda, Wilson said he used covert recording devices concealed in a power bank and other equipment to capture meetings in which alleged plans to obtain weapons and destabilize the government were discussed.

Wilson told the court that he was approached by Joel Wakayima, a Ugandan based in Switzerland, to help arrange weapons and paramilitary training. He said the proposed training was linked to a group associated with Besigye and was to involve 40 to 60 people, with Kisumu in Kenya mentioned as the location. He also testified about discussions on moving equipment through other routes after airport monitoring became an issue, and said Besigye allegedly suggested using an airport in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The testimony described alleged conversations about attacks in Kampala, possible use of drones, and plans that Wilson said were meant to create unrest and support a takeover by the military. The court also heard claims about meetings in Geneva and Athens, as well as recorded discussions involving possible funding, counterfeit currency and other arrangements. Besigye is being tried in absentia before Justice Emmanuel Baguma, while the prosecution says it will rely on witness evidence, recordings, communications and travel records. The allegations have not yet been tested by a final court ruling.