SAD!! Besigye Survives Death On Heroes Day As Muhoozi Tries To Hang Him

Jailed opposition figure Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Obeid Lutale, have returned to the High Court in a fresh legal challenge aimed at stopping their ongoing treason prosecution, arguing that the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention have irreparably compromised their right to a fair trial.

The latest court application marks a significant escalation in the legal battle facing the opposition leaders, who are currently on remand alongside Denis Oola. The trio is facing charges of treason and misprision of treason in a case that has attracted widespread public and political attention.

According to prosecutors, the accused were allegedly involved in a plot to overthrow President Yoweri Museveni. The State claims the alleged conspiracy involved meetings held in Geneva, Athens, Nairobi and Kampala, during which plans were discussed to secure funding, acquire weapons and obtain military training to facilitate the purported scheme.

Investigators further contend that they possess substantial evidence to support the charges, including audio and video recordings, telephone communication records, travel documentation and immigration data. The accused persons remain in custody and are expected back in court on June 11, 2026.

However, Besigye and Lutale insist that the prosecution itself is fundamentally flawed and unconstitutional.

Through their legal team comprising senior lawyers Erias Lukwago, Frederick Mpanga and Ernest Kalibala, the applicants argue that they were unlawfully arrested in neighboring Kenya before being forcibly brought back to Uganda.

Court documents state that on November 16, 2024, Besigye and Lutale were attending a book launch event hosted by Kenyan lawyer and politician Martha Karua in Nairobi when they were allegedly seized by Ugandan security operatives.

The applicants claim they were subsequently transferred across the border without any formal extradition proceedings or judicial authorization. They further allege that upon arrival in Uganda, they were detained at Makindye Military Barracks for four days without access to legal representation, medical attention or contact with family members.

According to the court filings, they were held incommunicado throughout that period before eventually being presented before court authorities.

The legal challenge names several respondents, including Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Col Peter Ahimbisibwe, Lt Col Ephraim Byaruhanga and the Attorney General.

A central element of the application concerns a series of social media posts allegedly published by Gen Muhoozi on X, formerly Twitter, which the applicants argue have prejudiced their case and undermined judicial independence.

Among the statements cited in court documents is a post allegedly published on January 16, 2025, which stated: “We will hang KB on Heroes’ Day. That’s the best day for him to die.”

The application also references another post dated February 19, 2026, in which Besigye was allegedly described as a “dead man walking” because he had supposedly “wanted to kill Mzee.”

Lawyers further point to an April 2026 post that reportedly stated: “I think we might hang Besigye by next month. If we don’t hang him, we will shoot him dead. That will be a great day for Uganda.”

Additional remarks cited in the filing allegedly suggested that Besigye would leave prison only “in his coffin after we hang him or shoot him,” or after apologizing to President Museveni.

The defence argues that such public statements amount to threats against the life of the accused, psychological intimidation and an attempt to influence public perception regarding their guilt before any court determination has been made.

According to the application, the comments have created an atmosphere in which it is impossible for the accused persons to receive a fair and impartial hearing.

The lawyers are also relying on the Supreme Court decision in the case of Attorney General v Michael Kabaziguruka, which restricted the prosecution of civilians before military courts.

They contend that Besigye and Lutale were initially arraigned before a military tribunal in circumstances that were inconsistent with the principles established by the country’s highest court.

In their petition, the applicants are seeking several remedies from the High Court. These include declarations that their alleged abduction from Nairobi and subsequent transfer to Uganda were unlawful, orders nullifying the criminal proceedings currently before court, and directives for their immediate and unconditional release.

The application also seeks medical treatment and rehabilitation services for what the applicants describe as torture and mistreatment suffered during detention.

The case is expected to add another layer of legal and political scrutiny to one of Uganda’s most closely watched prosecutions, with questions surrounding due process, human rights protections and the limits of executive influence likely to remain at the center of public debate as proceedings continue.