First witness Andrew Wilson testifies as judge rules case can proceed without Besigye

What the report says

The High Court in Kampala has started hearing treason charges against jailed Ugandan opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye, after Judge Emmanuel Baguma ruled that the case could continue even though Besigye was not present in court. According to The Independent Uganda, the prosecution said prison officials had informed the court that Besigye had declined to appear physically despite being told he could join virtually. Besigye’s co-accused, Hajji Obeid Lutale, disputed that account and said Besigye had been hospitalized and had not been in prison since August 4. The judge declined to visit the prison, citing a medical letter that he said indicated Besigye could follow the proceedings but could not speak.

With that issue settled, the court heard evidence from the first prosecution witness, Andrew Wilson, a Kurdish national and private investigator based in Florida. Wilson testified that he had been introduced to Besigye and other alleged co-conspirators through contacts linked to Uganda and abroad, and that the meetings were framed as training sessions while allegedly serving another purpose. The prosecution claims the accused discussed security and paramilitary training, explosives, drone technology, counterfeit currency and plans to destabilize Uganda. It also alleges Besigye sought weapons and cash to support efforts to overthrow the government, claims the defendants deny.

The case also involves Captain Denis Oola, who remained in the dock alongside Lutale. State lawyers said they had instructions to represent Oola but not Besigye or Lutale. The trial is set to continue daily, and the court has ordered proceedings to run through the week. The report also noted friction with journalists after the Judiciary restricted phones and recording devices inside the courtroom.