Opposition strongman Col (Rtd) Dr. Kizza Besigye, alongside Hajji Obeid Lutale and UPDF officer Capt. Denis Oola, has been formally charged with treason, according to a charge sheet dated February 20, 2025.

Besigye arrived in a prison bus, supported by a group of prison wardens who helped him down in a wheelchair. He appeared frail and emaciated, clearly struggling with hunger. However, as he exited the courtroom, he was seen carrying what appeared to be a package of food.

Later, his lawyer, Erias Lukwago, confirmed that Besigye had resumed eating following his appearance in the civilian court.

“Besigye has officially informed us that the hunger strike has been called off. He decided to go on strike because he was being illegally detained without being presented before a civilian court, but since he has been formerly charged, all we can do is fight for his bail. I can confirm that today he will receive food in Luzira” said Lukwago

Winnie Byanyima, wife to Besigye, previously raised alarm over her husband’s deteriorating health while in detention. In a heartbreaking interview, Byanyima revealed that Besigye’s kidneys are starting to fail, a result of his relentless hunger strike against his unjust imprisonment without trial.

“He can’t walk anymore.He’s bedridden, suffering terribly His health has rapidly declined, and the damage to his kidneys is becoming more severe each day.” she said

Byanyima didn’t hold back in her criticism of President Museveni and Uganda’s military leadership, accusing them of jeopardizing Besigye’s health by keeping him locked up under dubious circumstances. Her passionate statements have sparked outrage, with international human rights groups demanding his release and proper medical care.

Today, the trio was presented before the Chief Magistrate’s Court of Nakawa after a production warrant was issued by court for Besigye, directing Luzira Upper Prison authorities to present him before court on Wednesday, February 21, 2025, at 9:00 AM.

The document, issued by CID Headquarters, accuses the trio of conspiring between 2023 and November 2024 to overthrow the government by force. Authorities claim that the alleged plot spanned multiple locations, including Geneva (Switzerland), Athens (Greece), Nairobi (Kenya), and Kampala (Uganda), and was furthered through “utterances and overt acts.”

The charge sheet cites Section 23(1)(c) of the Penal Code Act, Cap 128, under which treason is punishable by death. The case was sanctioned by the Resident Chief State Attorney in Nakawa.

Prosecution alleges that the accuses travelled to various countries including Switzerland, Greece, Kenya for purposes of attending meetings to further the plot to overturn the government of Uganda as by law established.
Attended meetings with various individuals both physically and virtually in various places including Geneva in Switzerland, Athens in Greece, Nairobi in Kenya, and Kampala in Uganda in furtherance of the plot to overturn the government of Uganda as by law established.

Made utterances to various individuals during meetings and privately expressing desire and intent to overturn the government of Uganda as by law established. And provided logistical support and organizing for several Ugandan citizens to travel to Kisumu, Kenya for the purpose of receiving training in various military and intelligence gathering techniques.

They are also accused of soliciting for military, financial and other logistical support to overturn the government of Uganda as by law established.
The presiding Magistrate charged the accused contrary to section 25 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 128.

Dr. Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and a fierce critic of the government, was arrested in November 2024 and has been in detention since. His prolonged incarceration has sparked widespread protests, with his supporters calling for his release.

More details on the alleged “overt acts” and the state’s evidence against the accused are expected in court proceedings.