(Kampala) – Former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leader Dr. Kizza Besigye has been thrust into controversy after Ugandan authorities released leaked audios allegedly linking him to a plot to overthrow the government. Charged with unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, Besigye and his associate, Haji Obeid Lutale, are now facing trial in the General Court Martial.
The leaked recordings, reportedly obtained by security agencies, depict a man, alleged to be Besigye, discussing plans to acquire arms, drones, and foreign funding to stage an uprising against President Museveni’s National Resistance Movement (NRM) government. The individual claims divisions within the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and Air Force would aid the cause.
The accusations, however, have been met with skepticism given the history of dramatic yet unsubstantiated charges frequently leveled against opposition figures.
Key Highlights of the Allegations
| Allegation | Details |
|---|---|
| Arms Lobbying | Besigye allegedly sought weapons and drones. |
| Divided Army Claim | Claimed UPDF divisions would support a coup. |
| Fake Currency Plan | Suggested spreading counterfeit money to disrupt the economy. |
| Disparagement of Bobi Wine | Criticized Kyagulanyi’s leadership in opposition. |
| Foreign Meetings | Allegedly held meetings in Geneva, Athens, and Nairobi for support. |
In the recordings, the speaker purports to have connections within the UPDF and Air Force, boasting of their willingness to back an insurrection. However, the audios also include statements indicating hesitation about exposing co-conspirators, adding a layer of intrigue to the claims.
Authorities allege Besigye and Lutale were found in possession of eight rounds of pistol ammunition, a monopoly of the Ugandan Defence Forces, during their arrest in Nairobi on November 16. According to prosecutors, the duo was coordinating logistics to identify military targets in Uganda.
Besigye appeared before the Makindye General Military Court Martial on November 20, where he rejected the charges, arguing that as a civilian, he should not be tried in a military court. The court overruled his objections, moving the case forward.
Skepticism Surrounds the Case
Critics have questioned the timing and plausibility of the charges, pointing out Uganda’s history of politically motivated arrests and fabricated cases against opposition leaders. The audios’ authenticity and the prosecution’s claims have not been independently verified, leaving room for speculation about whether the case is more of a political smear campaign than a genuine security threat.
Security sources have linked this alleged plot to a broader scheme involving foreign funding to influence Uganda’s 2026 elections. Secret meetings, intercepted phone calls, and clandestine cash flows are said to be under investigation, though no concrete evidence has been made public.
Table: Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| November 16, 2024 | Besigye and Lutale arrested in Nairobi, allegedly with ammunition. |
| November 20, 2024 | Charged with unlawful possession of firearms at the General Military Court Martial. |
| Leaked Audios | Purportedly reveal coup plans, arms lobbying, and criticism of opposition leader Bobi Wine. |
The prosecution claims Besigye’s plans include destabilizing the economy by introducing counterfeit money in rural areas, a claim many observers find implausible.
Public and Political Reaction
Besigye’s supporters have dismissed the accusations as a tactic to weaken opposition momentum ahead of elections. “The government has recycled such charges countless times,” a political analyst noted. “This seems like another chapter in the narrative of discrediting critics.”
Whether this case reveals a genuine threat or just another political drama remains to be seen.
