Samuel Makokha, the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) flagbearer for the Busia Municipality parliamentary seat, has been remanded to Luzira Prison by the Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court over allegations of misprision of treason.
Prosecutors allege that Makokha was aware that veteran politician Dr. Kizza Besigye had planned to commit treason last year but failed to report the information to authorities. Makokha has denied the charges, describing them as unfounded.
He will remain in custody until 16th November, when his case is scheduled for a bail application.
Makokha’s lawyers, Bayern Turinawe and Kakuru Tumusiime, criticized the prosecution’s case, arguing that it is flawed.
“We feel this charge is misconceived because Dr. Kizza Besigye has not been convicted of treason, so you cannot claim that someone knew he was about to commit treason and didn’t report it,” Tumusiime said.
The lawyers further noted that the absence of state attorneys in court on Tuesday made it impossible to formally apply for bail.
Makokha was arrested last month upon returning from abroad at Entebbe International Airport and was held incommunicado for a week before being presented in court.
This is not Makokha’s first confrontation with security agencies. In 2023, he was among 33 loyalists of Dr. Kizza Besigye arrested in Kenya, allegedly for planning to overthrow the government. Supporters argue that Makokha’s repeated arrests reflect political targeting due to his association with Besigye and opposition activities.
The case has drawn public attention amid ongoing debates over political freedoms and the treatment of opposition figures in Uganda.
