Detained Ugandan opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye has called off his hunger strike after being arraigned before Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court where he was charged with treason.
Besigye’s lawyer, Erias Lukwago, said the politician’s decision follows his formal trial in civilian court.
“Now that Dr Besigye has been formally arraigned before the magistrate’s court here (Nakawa, Kampala) on charges of treason, he has decided to call off the hunger strike since there is now a valid remand warrant from this honorable court,” lawyer, Erias Lukwago said.
“He had gone on a hunger strike protesting against illegal incarceration.”
Kizza Besigye, along with Hajji Obeid Lutale, RO/12743 Captain Denis Oola, and others, were accused of conspiring between the year 2023 and November 2024 at various places and countries, including Geneva in Switzerland, Athens in Greece, Nairobi in Kenya, and Kampala in Uganda.
Kizza Besigye Ends Hunger Strikes After Being Charged with Treason
According to court documents, Besigye and co-accused allegedly contrived a plot, act, or matter by force of arms to overthrow the Government of Uganda as established by law, expressing or declaring such a plot, act, or matter through utterances and overt acts.
incarcerated veteran politician has been remanded to Luzira Prison.
Uganda’s Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka told AFP that the government had “transferred all cases involving civilians, including that of Kizza Besigye, from the military courts to the civilian courts”, in line with a ruling issued on January 31 by the country’s highest tribunal.
“Besigye’s case is now before the civil court and not the general court martial,” Kiwanuka added.
Also Read: Sick Kizza Besigye Bundled Back to Prison
Here is the full Court Charge Sheet
STATEMENT OF OFFENCE
TREASON, contrary to section 23(1)(c) of the Penal Code Act, Cap 128.
PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE
COL (RTD) DR. KIZZA BESIGYE, HAJJI OBEID LUTALE, RO/12743 CAPTAIN DENIS OOLA and others still at large between the year 2023 and November 2024 at various places/countries including Geneva in Switzerland, Athens in Greece, Nairobi in Kenya, Kampala in Uganda, contrived a plot, act or matter by force of arms to overturn the Government of Uganda as by law established and expressed or declared such plot, act or matter by utterances and overt acts
Travelling to various countries including Switzerland, Greece, Kenya for purposes of attending meetings to further the plot to overturn the government of Uganda as by law established.
Attending meetings with various individuals both physically and virtually in various places including Geneva in Switzerland, Athens in Greece, Nairobi in Kenya, and Kampala in Uganda in furtherance of the plot to overturn the government of Uganda as by law established.
Utterances to various individuals during meetings and privately expressing desire and intent to overturn the government of Uganda as by law established.
Providing logistical support and organizing for several Ugandan citizens to travel to Kisumu, Kenya for the purpose of receiving training in various military and intelligence gathering techniques.
Soliciting for military, financial and other logistical support to overturn the government of Uganda as by law established.
Also Read: Museveni Breaks Silence on Detention of Dr. Kizza Besigye
STATEMENT OF OFFENCE
MISPRISON OF TREASON, contrary to section 25 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 128.
PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE
COL (RTD) DR. KIZZA BESIGYE, HAJJI OBEID LUTALE, RO/12743 CAPTAIN DENIS OOLA and others still at large between the year 2023 and November 2024 at various places including Geneva in Switzerland, Athens in Greece, Nairobi in Kenya, Kampala in Uganda, knowing that another person intended to commit treason, did not give information thereof with all reasonable dispatch to the Minister, an administrative officer, a Magistrate or an officer in charge of a police Station or use all reasonable endeavors to prevent the commission of the treason
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