Military prosecutors have added a treachery charge against Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye and co-accused Abeid Lutaale Kamulegeya, who were initially facing charges of unlawful possession of ammunition and firearms.
The amended charges now include a third defendant, Captain Denis Ola, a serving UPDF officer from the Armoured Brigade, who has been brought into the case, also facing the same charge of treachery.
During today’s proceedings, the prosecution team, led by Col. Raphael Mugisha, revealed that further investigation linked Captain Ola to the offense, prompting the addition of his name to the charges.
The court session began with defense lawyers raising numerous objections, including concerns over jurisdiction, as the court has yet to rule on whether it has the authority to try civilians in a military court.
The defense, led by renowned Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua, has contested the amendment, claiming that the inclusion of a serving soldier was intended to rectify alleged illegalities and revive a case that they believe should not be tried in a court martial.
The court has now adjourned for a 10-minute break to deliberate on whether the amendment can be introduced at this stage.
Besigye, who was remanded in November 2024 on charges of unlawful possession of ammunition and firearms, has been at the center of a long-standing legal battle.
His legal team, along with those of co-accused Lutaale, has faced numerous delays, including issues with practicing certificates and the jailing of one of their lawyers, Eron Kiiza, for contempt of court last week.
Today's ruling will address a critical question: whether the court martial has the authority to try civilians for offenses allegedly committed outside Uganda, in countries such as Geneva, Greece, and Kenya, where the offenses are said to have occurred.
This is not Besigye’s first appearance before the court martial. In 2006, he was charged with treason, rape, and concealment of treason, but those charges were eventually dismissed.
Dr Besigye, a long-time ally turned political rival of President Museveni, has consistently accused the government of political persecution rather than genuine prosecution, citing multiple legal challenges throughout his career.
As the case continues, both Besigye and Lutale remain in custody, awaiting further developments in the proceedings.