Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye is set to stand trial on a serious charge of treachery, following a ruling by a military court on Tuesday.
The charge, which carries the death penalty upon conviction, marks a significant escalation in the legal battles that Besigye has faced over the years.
This latest development comes just ahead of Uganda’s 2026 presidential elections, heightening tensions within the political landscape. Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate, has long been an outspoken critic of the current president, Yoweri Museveni, and his government. 
The Charges Against Kizza Besigye
Besigye, who went missing in Nairobi on November 16, resurfaced in Uganda shortly after, along with his co-accused, Obeid Lutale, and was brought before a military court in Kampala.
The charges against him include illegal possession of a firearm and soliciting military support overseas with the intention of destabilizing Uganda’s national security. Besigye has denied these accusations.
On Monday, the military prosecutor amended the charge sheet, adding the serious charge of treachery and introducing a third suspect, a serving army officer, to the case. This move has raised eyebrows among defense lawyers, leading them to challenge the latest developments in court.
A Long History of Political Struggles
Besigye, who served as a personal doctor and military assistant to President Museveni before their fallout in the 1990s, has faced numerous arrests and assaults throughout his political career. However, despite years of legal battles, he has never been convicted of a crime.
Amnesty International has condemned the treatment of the 68-year-old opposition figure, calling his “abduction” a clear violation of international human rights laws. The organization has demanded his release, citing the lack of fair trial protections in the process.
Human Rights Concerns and the Military Court’s Role
Human Rights Watch has highlighted that this trial exemplifies the Ugandan authorities’ ongoing misuse of military courts to stifle opposition voices.
The military-related charges against Besigye are seen as part of a broader strategy to suppress political dissent in the lead-up to the 2026 elections.
Uganda’s Political Future Under Scrutiny
As Uganda moves closer to the 2026 elections, there are growing concerns about the country’s political future. While President Museveni, who has held power since 1986, is expected to seek re-election, some speculate that he may step aside.
The absence of a clear successor within the ruling National Resistance Movement party has fueled fears of an unpredictable political transition. Uganda, since its independence in 1962, has never experienced a peaceful transfer of power, further complicating the situation for opposition figures like Besigye.
Besigye’s Impact on Uganda’s Opposition Politics
Besigye, a retired military colonel and trained physician, is a founding member of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party. Under his leadership, FDC became Uganda’s most prominent opposition group.
His criticism of Museveni and the Ugandan government has made him a central figure in the country’s political struggles, and his trial only adds to the mounting pressure surrounding Uganda’s political future.
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