The Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) have officially taken over the treason case against opposition figure and four-time presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye.
The development, confirmed on Friday, February 21, marks a shift in the handling of the case, which had been transferred from the General Court Martial to the civilian judicial system.
Dr. Besigye and his associate, Obeid Lutale, were charged with treason at the Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court, guaranteeing their continued remand since the lower court lacks the jurisdiction to try capital offenses.
This latest move follows heightened security at Buganda Road Court during Besigye’s last appearance on Tuesday, February 18, signalling the State’s intensified focus on the case.
A production warrant issued on February 20 instructed Luzira Upper Prison authorities to present Dr. Besigye before the Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court at 9:00 a.m. on Friday.
With the DPP and CID now in charge, investigations are expected to intensify as the prosecution builds its case. The specifics of the treason charges remain undisclosed, but further details are expected as the case progresses.
Dr. Besigye has previously faced treason charges, notably in 2005 when he was accused of leading the People’s Redemption Army, a rebel group allegedly formed by renegade UPDF officers.
With the case now under the direct oversight of the DPP and CID, Besigye’s legal battle is set to take a new turn, as his defense team prepares to challenge the State’s accusations.
