The state has lined up five witnesses, including the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security (DIS), Maj. Gen. Richard Otto, in the treason case against opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye.
The disclosure emerged on Monday during a court session when Besigye’s lead lawyer, Erias Lukwago, informed the court that the prosecution had finally provided details of the witnesses it intends to rely on during the trial.
According to Lukwago, the witnesses include Maj. Gen. Richard Otto, the current Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security; his predecessor, Maj. Gen. James Birungi, who is currently under detention; and Maj. Gen. Abel Kandiho, the former head of the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), now known as DIS.
The prosecution also intends to call Lt. Col. Atwine, who heads special investigations, Andrew Wilson, also known as Orlando, an American national and former serviceman, and Moses Barasa, a businessman.
“These are the witness statements that have now been disclosed. In total, the state has confirmed that it has provided all the witness statements it intends to rely on. In a nutshell, the state has concluded the disclosure of the evidence it intends to rely on, as required under the law,” Lukwago told court.
However, the defence argued that it had not yet been given adequate time to review the evidence and discuss it with the accused persons.
According to Lukwago, the prosecution has disclosed substantial material, including flash disks containing audio and video recordings, as well as numerous documents that require detailed analysis.
“There are voluminous records that the state has provided, including flash disks containing visual and audio material and other evidence they intend to present before court,” he said.
The defence asked the court to grant more time to examine the material and consult with Dr. Besigye and his co-accused, Hajji Obeid Lutale.
“We have already mentioned the flash disks, the voluminous files and the documents that have been disclosed. All this requires a conducive environment, with minimal interference from prison authorities, to properly review and make sense of the material,” Lukwago submitted.
Trial judge Justice Emmanuel Baguma, however, adjourned the matter to June 11, when the hearing is expected to commence.
The Case
Dr. Besigye is charged with treason contrary to Section 23(1)(c) of the Penal Code Act, Cap 128.
According to the prosecution, Dr. Kizza Besigye, his aide Hajji Obeid Lutale, 65, Captain Denis Oola, 48, a UPDF officer, and others still at large allegedly plotted to overthrow the Government of Uganda between 2023 and November 2024.
The alleged activities are said to have taken place in several countries, including Switzerland, Greece, Kenya, and Uganda.
Prosecutors contend that the accused attended meetings in Geneva, Athens, Nairobi, and Kampala as part of a scheme to overthrow the government by force of arms.
The state further alleges that the accused expressed or advanced the alleged plot through various acts and utterances made during the period under investigation.
Dr. Besigye and his co-accused have previously denied any wrongdoing.
