A key witness in the ongoing treason case against opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye has told the High Court in Kampala that he was working for the Ugandan government while carrying out an intelligence operation involving the opposition leader.
The witness, Andrew Wilson, also known as Orlando, made the revelation while testifying before the court.
During re-examination by Chief State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka, Wilson was asked about who he was working for at the time of the operation. He told court that he was working for the Ugandan government.
Witness Details Nairobi Operation
Part of Wilson’s testimony focused on his interactions with Besigye and other individuals in Nairobi, Kenya.
Wilson confirmed that a meeting held at Riverside Apartments in Nairobi on November 16, 2024, had been organised as part of an intelligence operation.
He also agreed that the meeting was stage-managed, describing such arrangements as part of methods used in certain law-enforcement operations.
Wilson had earlier told court that firearms and alleged counterfeit currency found at the Nairobi apartment had been deliberately placed there during the operation.
The prosecution has presented recordings of conversations from the Nairobi meetings as part of the evidence in the case against Besigye and his co-accused.
First Prosecution Witness Completes Testimony
Wilson concluded his testimony after the prosecution completed its re-examination.
For several weeks, he had given evidence and presented audio and video recordings which the prosecution says are relevant to its case.
The defence extensively cross-examined Wilson, with questions focusing on his role in the Nairobi operation and the circumstances surrounding the alleged recovery of firearms and other items.
Court Hears About Shs59 Million Recording Transcription
After Wilson completed his evidence, the prosecution called its second witness, Medadi Ssentanda, a senior lecturer at Makerere University’s School of Languages and Communication.
Ssentanda’s testimony concerns the transcription of audio and video recordings being relied upon by the prosecution.
He told court that the government spent approximately Shs59 million to have the recordings transcribed.
Besigye Disputes Legal Representation
Besigye has not been participating in the current proceedings after objecting to lawyers appointed by the State to represent him.
His preferred legal team has included Erias Lukwago, the Kampala Lord Mayor, and Kenyan lawyer and former Justice Minister Martha Karua.
His co-accused, Obeid Lutale and UPDF Captain Denis Oola, continue to participate in the proceedings through their respective lawyers.
The prosecution alleges that Besigye and his co-accused held meetings in Uganda, Geneva, Athens and Nairobi as part of an alleged plan to overthrow the government by force.
The accused have denied the allegations.
The trial is ongoing, with the prosecution continuing to present evidence before the court.
