Kampala, Uganda | The prosecution’s case against opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye has taken a new turn after political analyst Charles Rwomushana, former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) vice president Salaamu Musumba, and Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda were mentioned in the State’s evidence as alleged participants in meetings linked to claims of a plot to overthrow the government by force.
The allegations were presented as part of the prosecution’s evidence in the ongoing treason-related proceedings involving Dr. Besigye and his co-accused. The claims have not been tested in court, and the individuals mentioned remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The State’s evidence was presented during proceedings involving former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who is facing a charge of misprision of treason—an offence relating to allegations that a person knew about plans to commit treason but failed to report them to the authorities.
According to the prosecution’s account, an individual identified as Andrew Wilson, described by the State as the owner of a private security company, was introduced to Salaamu Musumba in 2023.
Prosecutors allege that Musumba sought assistance related to secure communication and intelligence gathering before later arranging a meeting in Brussels, Belgium.
The State claims that the meeting was attended by several opposition figures, including Ssemujju Nganda, Rwomushana, Lukwago, and others, where discussions allegedly focused on plans to remove the government through armed means.
The prosecution further alleges that Wilson later interacted with an individual identified as “KB,” whom the State says was Dr. Besigye, leading to additional meetings in other locations.
Dr. Besigye, together with Haji Obeid Lutale and UPDF Captain Denis Oola, is facing treason charges arising from allegations that meetings were held in Uganda and abroad to plan actions against the government.
The High Court recently allowed the trial to proceed after dismissing an application by Besigye and Lutale seeking to halt the proceedings. The court ruled that the case should continue, with the accused retaining their right to challenge the allegations through the legal process.
The prosecution has said it intends to rely on evidence, including recordings, communications, travel records, and other materials, while the defence has raised concerns about alleged rights violations and the circumstances surrounding the arrests and detention of some of the accused persons.
The mention of additional opposition figures in the State’s evidence has raised speculation about possible further investigations, although authorities have not announced new charges or arrests against Rwomushana, Musumba, or Ssemujju.
The case remains one of Uganda’s most closely watched political trials, with implications for the country’s opposition politics, justice system, and human rights debate.
All persons named in connection with the allegations are entitled to a fair hearing and remain innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
