Besigye misses treason trial as state witness testifies

What the report says

The High Court in Kampala on Tuesday opened the treason trial of jailed opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye without him in the courtroom, after judges allowed the case to continue in his absence. The prosecution said Besigye had been told he could join virtually, while his co-accused, Hajji Obeid Lutale, told the court he had been hospitalised and was not refusing to attend. Judge Emmanuel Baguma said he had reviewed a medical letter indicating Besigye could not speak but could follow the proceedings.

After ruling that the trial could proceed, the court heard from the prosecution’s first witness, Andrew Wilson, a Florida-based private investigator described by the State as a Kurdish national. Wilson testified about alleged meetings, communications and training plans involving Besigye, Lutale and others in Uganda and abroad. His account included claims about security training, possible paramilitary preparation and discussions of weapons, drones and counterfeit currency. The prosecution says it intends to rely on witness testimony, recordings, messages and travel and phone records to support the case.

Besigye, Lutale and Captain Denis Oola are jointly charged with treason over allegations that they plotted to overthrow the Ugandan government; all deny the charges. The hearing also drew tension outside the evidence itself, as journalists protested new courtroom restrictions on phones and recording devices. The trial is due to continue daily, which underscores the political and legal significance of a case closely watched in Uganda’s opposition and justice circles.