Uganda

Uganda court to try Kizza Besigye for treason, risking death penalty

A Ugandan military court has ruled that opposition leader Kizza Besigye will stand trial for treason, with a potential death sentence if convicted. The decision further complicates the 68-year-old’s legal battles ahead of the 2026 presidential elections. Besigye, who has unsuccessfully run for president four times, went missing in Nairobi late last year. He resurfaced shortly after in Kampala, where he faced charges including illegal possession of a firearm and allegedly seeking foreign military support to undermine Uganda’s security. Following his arrest, Besigye was remanded in custody, and a military prosecutor later added a treason charge to the case. Besigye has denied all allegations. Human Rights Watch condemned the trial, calling it “the latest example of Uganda’s authorities using military courts and charges to target the opposition.” Rights groups have long accused President Yoweri Museveni’s government of repressing opposition figures and violating their rights.

Uganda court to try Kizza Besigye for treason, risking death penalty Read More »

Scroll to Top