In a powerful moment that felt more like a protest rally than a courtroom session, Martha Karua, one of Kenya’s most respected political figures, arrived at Uganda’s Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court to represent opposition leader Kizza Besigye. The crowd’s reaction was electric.
Supporters of Besigye burst into chants of “Never surrender!” as Karua entered the packed courtroom. People clapped, stood on benches, and sang in unison. The energy was raw, defiant, and full of hope, a rare sight in a legal space that usually demands silence and order.
Videos of the moment spread quickly online, showing Karua shaking hands and nodding respectfully to those present. Even Besigye, who was sitting in the dock, smiled and joined the chants. The courtroom had turned into a symbol of resistance.
But behind the emotional support lies a serious case. Besigye, along with Hajj Obeid Lutale and UPDF Captain Denis Oola, has been officially charged with treason and misprision of treason. Prosecutors claim the three plotted to violently overthrow President Yoweri Museveni’s government.
According to the state, their alleged plans included drone attacks, poison, and missile strikes. The court also heard that secret meetings happened in cities like Nairobi, Geneva, Athens, and the Netherlands. During these meetings, the group supposedly discussed how to infiltrate military bases, train in Kisumu, and destabilize Uganda’s economy using fake currency.
Prosecutors say the evidence includes video and audio recordings taken by a secret informant known only as “AW.” The agent pretended to be a Kurdish intelligence officer to gain access to the group. Along with the recordings, the state will present WhatsApp chats, travel records, and forensic files.
Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, gave an update on his condition after visiting him in Luzira Prison. She said he was doing well, walking and talking with visitors. But she criticized Uganda’s justice system for denying him bail, even though he has consistently shown up in court for over 20 years.
The issue of whether civilians like Besigye can be tried in military courts has been a hot debate in Uganda. Initially, Besigye was brought before the Makindye military court, but his lawyers fought that decision. The Supreme Court eventually ruled in his favor, saying only military members should face military courts.
However, soon after that, Uganda’s parliament changed the law, giving military courts the power to try civilians. This move sparked outrage, with opposition leaders saying it was just a tactic to silence critics.
By Lucky Anyanje
