Uganda's High Court: Dr Kizza Besigye Discusses Athens Meeting Testimony

• Prosecution witness Andrew Wilson Orlando testified that Dr. Kizza Besigye's associates discussed plans to seize power during a meeting in Athens on September 28, 2024.
• The group allegedly targeted influential people in Kampala for assassination and discussed possible targets such as Cafe Javas on Acacia Avenue.
• Dr. Besigye is currently facing an ongoing treason trial, having been in detention since November 2024, on allegations that he and his co-accused were involved in activities intended to overthrow the government.

On September 28, 2024, Dr. Kizza Besigye's associates allegedly discussed plans to seize power during a meeting in Athens.

On September 28, 2024, Dr. Kizza Besigye's associates allegedly discussed plans to seize power during a meeting in Athens. According to prosecution witness Andrew Wilson Orlando, the group targeted influential people in Kampala for assassination as part of their plan to create unrest and facilitate a change of government. The discussions also included possible targets such as Cafe Javas on Acacia Avenue, which was frequented by government officials. This alleged plan followed the collapse of a planned training programme in Kisumu, Kenya, in December 2023, which Orlando described as an attempt to reconcile parties after the failed arrangement. In Athens, the group discussed acquiring more weapons and logistical support for future operations.

Dr. Besigye faces charges arising from allegations that he and his co-accused were involved in activities intended to overthrow the government. The prosecution has begun presenting its evidence, including witness testimony, in the ongoing treason trial against Dr. Besigye. The trial resumed on August 18, 2026, with the prosecution calling its first witness, and is expected to continue with the presentation of various forms of evidence, including audio and video recordings. In court proceedings, witness Andrew Wilson Orlando has testified that he used fictitious companies and individuals to obtain information from Dr. Besigye, who allegedly offered to work with them in exchange for control of certain human and drug trafficking routes if he took power.

The allegations against Dr. Kizza Besigye have significant implications for the opposition leader and his associates. Dr. Besigye has been in detention since November 2024 and is currently facing an ongoing treason trial, during which he has been denied bail multiple times and has experienced deteriorating health, including collapsing in court in July 2026 and being in intensive care in early August 2026. If found guilty, he and his co-accused may face severe consequences, including imprisonment. The ongoing presentation of evidence by the prosecution highlights the importance of a robust defense strategy for Dr. Besigye's legal team. These proceedings demonstrate the complexities of Uganda's political landscape and the challenges faced by opposition leaders in their pursuit of power.

Lawyers representing Dr. Kizza Besigye should be aware of the prosecution's plans to present audio and video recordings as evidence, which may impact their client's defense strategy.

Source: Original reporting via Nile Post