KAMPALA, Uganda — A state witness has told Uganda’s High Court that he used a covert camera concealed inside a mobile power bank to record meetings in which opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye allegedly discussed acquiring weapons and plans to overthrow the government.
Private security investigator Andrew Wilson Orlando gave the testimony for the second consecutive day in the treason case involving Dr Besigye, Obeid Lutale and Capt Denis Oola.
The case is being heard by Justice Emmanuel Baguma at the High Court’s Criminal Division in Kampala, with Dr Besigye being tried in absentia.
Wilson told the court that Joel Wakayima, a Ugandan based in Switzerland, had approached him to facilitate the alleged acquisition of weapons, including hand grenades, drones and surface-to-air missiles, and arrange paramilitary training for between 40 and 60 people.
According to the witness, the proposed training was to take place in Kisumu, Kenya.
Alleged weapons plan
Wilson said concerns that Kisumu’s main airport was being monitored prompted discussions about alternative routes for transporting the alleged weapons.
He testified that Dr Besigye suggested using an airport in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), saying he had contacts who could receive the consignment.
Wilson further alleged that Dr Besigye told him he had previously used the same airport to receive a similar consignment.
The witness said he later began giving Dr Besigye and Wakayima excuses for failing to deliver the weapons after deciding to cooperate with Ugandan security agencies.
Wilson told the court that he met Wakayima and Dr Besigye at a hotel in Geneva, Switzerland, on November 28, 2023.
He said Dr Besigye suggested that they continue their discussions at his apartment, but Wilson declined because he had already prepared his own apartment with recording equipment.
The meeting was subsequently held at Wilson’s apartment.
According to his testimony, the discussions included alleged plans to acquire weapons and attack Kampala.
Wilson said he asked Dr Besigye whether he had the capacity to capture and control the Ugandan capital.
He alleged that Dr Besigye responded that he would rely on contacts within the senior military ranks.
Court hears alleged Museveni assassination plan
Wilson also told the court that the assassination of President Yoweri Museveni was allegedly discussed during the meetings.
He said drone airstrikes were among the methods allegedly considered.
According to Wilson, those involved were concerned that directly linking an assassination to Dr Besigye would damage his reputation.
He alleged that the possibility of attributing the killing to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) was therefore discussed.
Wilson further testified that Dr Besigye allegedly told him he had previously conducted surveillance on Museveni.
The witness also claimed that his associates were prepared to provide US$5 million, which he said would be deposited in a Dubai bank account with Dr Besigye listed as a signatory.
Wilson said he repeatedly suggested involving National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, but alleged that Dr Besigye rejected the proposal.
Alleged plans for Kisumu training
The witness said another meeting was planned for June 2024 to finalise arrangements for the proposed paramilitary training in Kisumu.
Wilson alleged that discussions included plans to create civil unrest, including using a drone to interfere with a commercial aircraft at Entebbe International Airport and subsequently using the media to blame the government.
According to his testimony, the wider strategy was allegedly to create chaos and create conditions for the military to take over the government.
Wilson also testified that the group allegedly discussed obtaining counterfeit US$5,000 notes, which he valued at about Shs18.6 million, to facilitate the proposed Kisumu operation and destabilise Uganda’s economy.
Alleged Café Javas grenade plan
Wilson further told the court that Wakayima allegedly proposed detonating a hand grenade at Café Javas on Acacia Avenue in Kampala because government officials were believed to frequent the establishment.
He said Wakayima was later arrested in Geneva and alleged that Dr Besigye provided contacts who could assist in securing his release.
Wilson later travelled to Kisumu in connection with the alleged training operation, where he said several people were arrested.
Among those arrested, he testified, were 36 Ugandan nationals who were subsequently taken back to Uganda and charged with terrorism-related offences.
Wilson said Dr Besigye was in Nairobi around the time of the arrests.
Athens meeting
The witness also testified about another meeting he said he had with Dr Besigye in Athens, Greece, on September 29, 2024.
According to Wilson, the meeting took place in the basement of Athens International Airport after Dr Besigye returned from the United States and was preparing to attend a conference in Greece.
Wilson said he travelled with an associate who remained at a distance while recording the meeting and providing security.
The testimony forms part of the prosecution’s case that Dr Besigye, Lutale and Oola held meetings in Uganda, Kenya, Greece and Switzerland in connection with an alleged plan to solicit funding, acquire weapons and organise paramilitary activities aimed at overthrowing the Ugandan government.
Prosecution relies on recordings and digital evidence
Wilson was led through his evidence by Chief State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka, assisted by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Thomas Jatiko.
Capt Denis Oola is represented by Sylvia Namawejje Ebitu, Sarah Awero and Julius Sserwambala, while Lutale currently has no lawyers.
Also Read: Witness tells court how hidden camera in ‘power bank’ recorded alleged Besigye coup plot
The prosecution says it will rely on witness testimony, audio and video recordings, social media communications, immigration records and telephone data to support its case.
The allegations presented in court remain unproven. The defence will have an opportunity to challenge the witness’s account, including the circumstances in which the recordings were obtained, their authenticity and the interpretation placed on the alleged conversations.
Dr Kizza Besigye, Lutale and Oola are presumed innocent unless and until a court determines otherwise.
The latest testimony is likely to place particular focus on the alleged covert recordings, which the prosecution may seek to use alongside other evidence to establish its case against the accused.
