Dr. Kizza Besigye Charged with treason and the crime is punishable by death upon conviction.

The legal proceedings against Dr. Kizza Besigye have taken another turn after he was secretly brought into Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court on February 21, where he was charged with treason and misprision of treason, crimes punishable by death upon conviction.

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Besigye’s appearance in court in a wheelchair seems to have been a result of mounting pressure on the government to bring him to a civilian court, as mandated by the Supreme Court. This followed public outcry over images of his deteriorating health circulating on social media.

His trial has set a significant precedent, marking the transfer of civilian cases from the General Court Martial to civilian courts following a Supreme Court ruling that civilians should not be tried in military courts.

The charge sheet at the Nakawa Court was modified, removing the charge of firearm possession that had been included in the military court's charges against Besigye and his co-defendant, Obeid Lutale, a long-time associate.

This is the third time the government has altered the charges against Besigye. Initially, he faced charges of illegal firearm possession and seeking foreign military support to destabilize national security. The charges were later amended to include treason and the introduction of a third defendant, Captain Denis Ola, a serving army officer.

This marks the third time Besigye has been charged with treason—previously in 2005 after returning from exile in South Africa to contest the 2006 election, and again in 2016 after declaring himself the winner of the presidential election. In all prior cases, the charges appeared to be fabricated, and the evidence was insufficient.

There is ongoing speculation about the circumstances surrounding Besigye’s arrest in Kenya last year. Leaked audio recordings suggested he was discussing acquiring fighter jets with some European nationals, prompting a joint Ugandan-Kenyan security operation. Although the authenticity of the audios was debated, they led to Besigye’s arrest.

Besigye, a long-time critic of military action against the government, has consistently argued that the costs of violent overthrow would be too high. At 68, many believe his political career is nearing its end.

Besigye’s health has raised significant concerns. After being remanded to Luzira prison until March 7, his condition seemed to worsen. His lead attorney, Erias Lukwago, expressed disbelief that Besigye, who appeared in court in a wheelchair, was sent back to prison under such conditions. Lukwago urged the magistrate to ensure proper care for his client.

Earlier, Justice Douglas Singiza of the High Court had also sent Besigye back to prison, citing health concerns, although critics suggested the decision was influenced by social media outrage rather than the merits of the case. The courtroom was filled with Besigye’s supporters, who protested his continued detention.

Besigye’s ongoing detention has sparked a larger debate over the perceived politicization of Uganda's courts. His health condition has become a focal point of international concern, with human rights groups demanding his release and proper medical attention. Besigye has been on a hunger strike, further deteriorating his health. His wife, Winnie Byanyima, and his legal team have stated that the medical care he has received is insufficient.

Besigye’s case has drawn attention both domestically and internationally, with many questioning the fairness of his trial and detention. Despite the mounting pressure, government officials, including Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka and Justice Minister Norbert Mao, have been criticized for delaying tactics, leading to further unrest.

Besigye’s case was transferred from the General Court Martial to civilian courts after considerable confusion among government officials about how to proceed, despite a Supreme Court ruling.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, responding to the criticism, argued that Besigye should face a swift trial in civilian court, claiming that any delay would contribute to national insecurity. Museveni also criticized Besigye’s hunger strike as an attempt to garner sympathy and delay his trial.

The Kenyan government has also faced criticism for its role in Besigye’s arrest. His rendition to Uganda has sparked protests in Kenya, where lawmakers and activists have condemned the operation as an abuse of power.

Besigye’s detention and declining health have sparked an outpouring of support from opposition groups in Uganda. His wife, Byanyima, has been vocal in condemning Museveni’s treatment of Besigye, and opposition figures have rallied together to demand his release.

Despite Besigye’s advanced age, he retains significant support among Uganda’s youth, who are increasingly disillusioned with the ruling government. Byanyima, an activist herself, has scaled back her work at UNAIDS to focus on her husband’s case.

Besigye’s continued imprisonment and deteriorating health have galvanized opposition movements in Uganda, with key figures from various political parties uniting to demand justice. The situation has further heightened tensions between Museveni’s government and opposition groups, suggesting that Besigye’s case will remain a focal point of political struggle in the country.

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