Nakawa, Kampala – Streets near Nakawa Magistrates Court were on lockdown this morning as Dr. Kizza Besigye, Uganda’s most relentless opposition figure and four-time presidential contender was brought to court under heavy security escort.
Besigye, alongside his longtime aide Obeid Lutale and UPDF Captain Denis Oola were formally presented before the court for a case mention involving treason and misprision of treason charges that have ignited fierce debate across the political landscape.
According to the state, the trio is being investigated for involvement in activities deemed hostile to the authority of the state.
The charge of treason is one of Uganda’s most serious, punishable by death. Misprision of treason, the failure to report or conceal knowledge of treason is also a criminal offence under law.
By 9:00 AM, heavily armed security personnel had sealed off the court premises limiting access and forcing journalists, supporters and civil rights activists to wait behind a heavy police barricade.
Besigye appeared stoic and calm, briefly waving to cameras before being whisked into the courtroom. His co-accused, Lutale and Capt. Oola followed behind their expressions tense but composed.
Capt. Denis Oola’s inclusion in the case is particularly explosive. As an active member of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) his alleged involvement in a case of treason alongside a known opposition figure raises red flags about fractures within Uganda’s military ranks, a tightly controlled institution considered a backbone of President Museveni’s regime.
Besigye’s presence in court is not a new sight. Since breaking ranks with President Museveni in the early 2000s, he has been arrested dozens of times, survived assassination attempts and endured prolonged detentions yet remains one of Uganda’s most persistent symbols of defiance.
Addressing journalists after the brief court session, one of Besigye’s lawyers including Kenyan lawyer and politician Martha Karua and the Lord Mayor Elias Lukwago condemned the state’s handling of the matter:
“These charges are vague, politically motivated, and intended to intimidate not just Dr. Besigye but all voices of dissent,” the lawyer said. “There’s no evidence, just theatre.”
The prosecution told the court that investigations are ongoing and requested more time to compile findings before committing the accused to trial.
The magistrate adjourned the case, setting a new date for 29th May 2025, when the state is expected to update the court on the progress of the investigations. All three accused remain on remand at Luzira Prison, pending further proceedings.
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