In a dramatic turn of events, prominent Ugandan opposition leader and four-time presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye will remain in custody following the State’s decision to file fresh treason charges against him. The latest development ensures that Dr. Besigye and his associate, Obeid Lutale, will stay behind bars as their case takes a significant legal twist.  

The charges, filed at the Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court on Friday, February 21, 2025, mark a sharp escalation in the government’s handling of the case. Treason, a capital offense, cannot be tried in a lower court, guaranteeing the duo’s continued remand until the case is transferred to a higher judicial forum.  

This isn’t the first time Dr. Besigye has faced treason allegations. In 2005, he was accused of leading the People’s Redemption Army, a rebel group allegedly formed by renegade UPDF officers. However, the current charges come amid heightened tensions, as the case was recently transferred from the General Court Martial, which was deemed an unlawful venue for trying civilians.  

The State’s intentions became apparent during Dr. Besigye’s last court appearance on Tuesday, February 18, at Buganda Road Court. A heavy presence of counterterrorism police hinted at a major shift in the case’s trajectory. The formal charges were later confirmed through a production warrant issued on February 20, 2025, directing Luzira Upper Prison authorities to produce Dr. Besigye before the Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court.  

The warrant, signed by the Chief Magistrate, stated:  

“You are hereby directed to produce Col (Rtd) Dr. Kizza Besigye before the Chief Magistrates Court of Nakawa at 9:00 am on the 21st day of February 2025.”

While the specifics of the treason allegations remain undisclosed, the charge sheet presented in court outlines the gravity of the accusations. Legal experts anticipate that further details will emerge during today’s proceedings, shedding light on the State’s case against the opposition leader and his associate.  

This latest move has sparked widespread debate, with critics questioning the timing and motives behind the charges. As the case unfolds, all eyes remain on the Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court, where the fate of one of Uganda’s most prominent political figures hangs in the balance.  

Stay tuned for updates as this high-stakes legal battle continues to unfold.