KAMPALA, Uganda — A significant figure in Uganda’s opposition movement faces trial on serious allegations of treachery, a ruling made by a military court on Tuesday. This development heightens legal challenges for Kizza Besigye as the country approaches presidential elections slated for 2026.
The accusation of treachery is particularly severe, as it carries the potential penalty of death for those found guilty. Besigye, a veteran of four presidential campaigns, was reportedly missing from the Kenyan city of Nairobi on November 16. He resurfaced days later alongside his co-defendant, Obeid Lutale, an aide, when they were presented to a military court in the Ugandan capital.
Besigye is facing charges for the illegal possession of a firearm, as well as additional accusations related to soliciting military aid from abroad with the intention to undermine national security. He has denied all charges and is currently in custody.
Recently, a military prosecutor updated the charge sheet to incorporate the treachery accusation and added another defendant, who is an active army officer. This alteration caught defense attorneys off guard, prompting them to contest the prosecutor’s decision.
At 68 years old, Besigye is no stranger to confrontations with Ugandan authorities, having experienced multiple arrests and assaults throughout his political journey. However, he has never been convicted of any crime.
Amnesty International has urged for Besigye’s release, stating that his “abduction blatantly breached international human rights laws and the established processes concerning extradition and fair trial rights.”
Human Rights Watch has termed Besigye’s ongoing trial “the latest instance of Uganda’s government misusing military courts and charges linked to military matters to suppress opposition.”
The political atmosphere around Besigye’s trial is closely scrutinized by Ugandans who are concerned about the evolving political dynamics as elections draw near. President Yoweri Museveni, who has maintained power for over three decades since 1986, is anticipated to run for another term, although some analysts speculate he might opt to step back.
The ruling National Resistance Movement party, of which Museveni is part, lacks a clear successor, further fueling anxiety over a potentially tumultuous political shift.
Having retired from military service at the rank of colonel, Besigye is a trained physician and a former leader of the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party — the most influential opposition party in Uganda during his leadership. A strong adversary of Museveni, Besigye previously worked as Museveni’s military aide and personal physician until their relationship soured in the 1990s due to Besigye’s criticisms of the president’s authoritarian tendencies.
Museveni’s governance has drawn long-standing criticism from human rights advocates, particularly regarding alleged mistreatment of political opponents. Since Uganda gained independence from British colonial rule in 1962, the nation has not experienced a peaceful transfer of power.
