By Kabuye Ronald
Opposition leader and four-time presidential candidate Retired Colonel Dr. Kizza Besigye, Hajji Obeid Lutaale Kamulegeya, and Captain Denis Oola have been remanded to custody by the Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court on fresh charges of treason and misprision of treason.
The three individuals are accused of conspiring to overthrow the current government by soliciting arms and financial support from various countries, including Switzerland, Greece, Kenya, and Uganda.
The charges, which are capital in nature and carry the death penalty if convicted, were read to the accused by Chief Magistrate Esther Nyadoi. However, they were not allowed to make any statements in court, as the case falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court.
Prosecutors, led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Lino Anguzu, informed the court that investigations are still ongoing, and the necessary committal papers for submission to the High Court are not yet prepared. As a result, the case was adjourned, and the three suspects will remain in custody until March 7th, 2025.
The Magistrate confirmed that she lacked the jurisdiction to try the case and requested an adjournment for mention. The suspects will await further legal proceedings in the High Court, where the gravity of the charges will be heard.
Their trial has been moved from the General Court Martial, which was declared an unlawful venue for trying civilians by the Supreme court of Uganda. However, the move ensures their continued remand, as the court lacks the authority to hear capital offenses like treason. As a result, Dr. Besigye and Lutale will remain in custody as their case progresses.
