Ugandan Opposition Leader Faces New Death Penalty Charge

UGANDAN opposition leader Kizza Besigye has been hit with an additional charge of treachery, a capital offence, as military prosecutors escalate their case against him, Reuters reported. The veteran politician, known for challenging President Yoweri Museveni’s nearly four-decade rule, was arrested in Kenya in November and forcibly returned to Uganda, where he has been detained ever since.

According to Reuters, Besigye was initially charged with illegal possession of firearms and undermining national security in a military court, despite being a civilian. He remains imprisoned in Kampala alongside his aide, Obeid Lutale, who was arrested with him.

His wife, Winnie Byanyima, the executive director of UNAIDS, has denounced the charges as politically motivated, while his legal team has dismissed them as baseless.

New charge sparks outrage

During a court hearing on Monday, military prosecutors formally introduced the new charge of treachery, Reuters reported. The prosecution alleges that Besigye and Lutale withheld intelligence regarding a plot against national security. A charge sheet states that they ‘consciously withheld the said vital information from the proper authorities.’

Besigye’s lawyers objected to the new charge, arguing that it violated legal procedures. They also condemned the detention of prominent human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza, a member of Besigye’s defence team.

Kiiza was sentenced to nine months in prison on January 7 for alleged contempt of court following an altercation with court officials. London-based human rights organisation Amnesty International has called his detention ‘outrageous’ and demanded his immediate release, Reuters noted.

Long-standing rivalry with Museveni

Besigye, once a close ally and personal physician to Museveni, turned into one of his fiercest critics. He has run against Museveni in four presidential elections, rejecting the results each time due to alleged irregularities.

Human rights groups have frequently accused Museveni’s government of election fraud, torture, and arbitrary detentions. However, the Ugandan government has consistently denied these allegations.

Besigye’s trial continues amid growing concerns over political repression in Uganda.