Ugandan opposition leader Besigye charged afresh with terrorism

Kampala, Uganda (PANA) - Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye and his aides have been charged afresh with terrorism six months after his kidnapping and rendition from neighbouring Kenya, where he had travelled to attend a book launch.

The Ugandan opposition leader, a four-time presidential candidate, received a heroic welcome from jovial supporters who sung, “Never surrender,” before unknown people invaded the courtroom and descended upon those present with blows, according to television images beamed on NTV Uganda.

Details of the terrorism charge facing the veteran opposition figure, Besigye, his aide, Hajj Obed Lutale and Captain Dennis Oola of the Ugandan Peoples Defence Force (UPDF), remain scanty, but the authorities had earlier alleged the opposition leader plotted to attack a military camp.

Ugandan authorities allege the opposition leader planned to carry out the storming of a military camp using a gun, which is alleged to have been found on the table in his Kenyan residence, with “others not before court”.

Police also allege the “offence” was planned in Switzerland, Kenya and Uganda.

Besigye had travelled to Kenya in November 2024, to attend the launch of a book authored by Martha Karua, former Deputy Presidential running mate and lawyer. He was court martialled.

However, the military court martial was stopped after the legal team representing Besigye challenged the trial of civilians in military courts. 

The Ugandan Supreme Court outlawed the trial of civilians in military courts and said the military courts should only be used for routine discipline matters and offences should be brought before the courts of national jurisdiction.

The Ugandan Parliament, however, passed a new legislation this week, allowing the military courts to try civilians.

-0- PANA AO/MA 23May2025