Former presidential candidate and political activist, Rtd. Col. Dr. Kiiza Besigye, has been remanded to Luzira Prison following his arraignment before the General Court Martial in Makindye.
Besigye, who was charged alongside Hajj Obed Lutale, will remain in custody until December 2, 2024, when his case is scheduled for mention.
The charge sheet presented in court details four counts against Besigye and Lutale including offenses relating to security (UPDF Act, Section 128(1)(f)), where the duo is accused of holding meetings between October 2023 and November 2024 in Geneva, Athens, and Nairobi, allegedly aimed at soliciting support to compromise Uganda’s defense forces.
Unlawful Possession of Firearms (Firearms Act, Section 4(1) & (2)) where court heard that on November 16, 2024, they were reportedly found in possession of firearms at the Riverside Apartments in Nairobi. The items, including a Pistol Model 27KAL No. 765 and a Pistol HB 1014 1953, are classified as the exclusive monopoly of the defense forces.
Another charge is unlawful possession of ammunition (Firearms Act, Section 4(1) & (2)) where the accused allegedly held eight rounds of ammunition without lawful authority at the same Nairobi location.
Besigye’s lawyer argued in court that the charges are politically motivated and aimed at silencing government critics. Meanwhile, Hajj Obed Lutale, Besigye’s co-accused, has also denied the allegations.
The high-profile case has drawn significant public attention, with opposition leaders and human rights groups condemning the arrest as a violation of Besigye’s rights. Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, has labeled his detention a politically orchestrated abduction.
Byanyima, the UNAIDS Executive Director, earlier took to social media accusing the government of orchestrating her husband’s “kidnapping” from Kenya. Byanyima claimed Besigye was detained at a hotel in Kenya, where he was attending a book launch hosted by Kenyan politician Martha Karua, and secretly transported back to Uganda.
Byanyima described the incident as a violation of international law and called for her husband’s immediate release. “This is nothing short of state-sanctioned abduction,” she stated
The General Court Martial has set December 2, 2024, for the case mention, as investigations into the matter continue. Both Besigye and Lutale remain behind bars at Luzira Prison pending further developments.
