A Ugandan military court has ruled that opposition leader Kizza Besigye can face trial on charges of treachery, which, if convicted, could result in the death penalty. The court’s decision marks a significant escalation in the legal challenges facing the 68-year-old former presidential candidate, who has been an outspoken critic of President Yoweri Museveni’s government.
Besigye, who has attempted to run for president four times, disappeared from public view late last year, sparking widespread speculation. He was later reported to have been in Nairobi before reappearing in Uganda, where he was promptly brought before a military court in Kampala. The charges against him initially included illegal possession of a firearm and allegedly soliciting military support from foreign sources to destabilize Uganda’s national security.

After spending several weeks in detention, military prosecutors added a charge of treachery to the list of accusations against Besigye. This development has drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups, who argue that the charges are politically motivated and an attempt to silence dissent ahead of the 2026 presidential elections, where Besigye has been expected to challenge Museveni again.
Besigye has consistently denied all charges, asserting that the allegations are part of an ongoing effort by the government to stifle opposition and suppress political competition. “I have been fighting for democracy and the rights of the Ugandan people, and these charges are just an attempt to intimidate me and others who dare to stand against Museveni,” Besigye said in a recent statement.
Human Rights Watch has condemned Besigye’s trial, labeling it as the latest example of Uganda’s government using military courts and politically motivated charges to suppress the opposition. “This is part of a broader pattern of using the judicial system to target political opponents and undermine democratic processes in Uganda,” said the organization’s Africa director.
Opposition leaders and activists in Uganda have long accused President Museveni of using the military and security forces to intimidate, harass, and silence critics. Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, has faced international pressure over alleged human rights violations and crackdowns on political freedoms.
The case against Besigye is likely to further polarize the political landscape in Uganda, with many viewing it as an attempt to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2026 elections. Political analysts believe that Besigye’s trial will serve as a key test for Uganda’s judiciary, with widespread scrutiny from both domestic and international observers.

As the trial progresses, Besigye’s supporters remain steadfast, rallying behind their leader and calling for his release, insisting that the charges against him are baseless and politically motivated. The outcome of his case will likely have significant implications for Uganda’s democratic future and the space available for political dissent under Museveni’s rule.