Besigye Discussed How He Would Take Power in Athens, Witness Tells Court

What the report says

Prosecution witness Andrew Wilson Orlando told a Ugandan court that opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye discussed alleged plans to seize power during a meeting in Athens on September 28, 2024. According to the testimony reported by Nile Post, the claims included possible attacks on key installations and prominent people in Kampala as part of an effort to create unrest and force a change of government.

Orlando said the Athens meeting came after an earlier training plan in Kisumu, Kenya, fell through in December 2023. He alleged that discussions later covered possible targets such as Cafe Javas on Acacia Avenue, as well as Entebbe International Airport, including tourist aircraft. He also testified about an earlier Geneva meeting, saying he handed over $5,000 to support people he described as members of an intended militia traveling from Kampala.

The witness further claimed the group discussed equipment and logistics, including fake currency, drones and hand grenades, and said Zambia had been considered as another possible base of operations. He also said Besigye gave him contacts for two Ugandans, identified only as Samuel and Simon, to coordinate work in Kenya.

Besigye faces charges tied to allegations that he and co-accused were involved in efforts to overthrow the government, and he has denied the accusations. Nile Post reported that the hearing was adjourned to Monday, August 24, when prosecutors are expected to present audio and video recordings. The testimony is significant because it adds new details to a politically sensitive case, though the claims remain allegations presented in court.