Uganda’s political scene has been shaken after the state presented allegations linking several opposition figures to an alleged plot to overthrow the government, with former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago among those committed to the High Court for trial.
Lukwago appeared before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court, where Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera ruled that the case against him should proceed to the High Court for further hearing.
The former Kampala mayor faces a charge of misprision of treason, with prosecutors accusing him of failing to report information about alleged meetings where plans to overthrow the government were discussed.
The allegations have attracted national attention because they involve claims of a wider conspiracy involving several political figures, including opposition leaders and former government officials.
According to the prosecution, Lukwago and other individuals allegedly participated in discussions linked to plans to destabilise the government through unlawful means.
The state claims that the alleged plans involved recruiting military expertise, collecting intelligence information and acquiring resources that could have been used to execute an armed rebellion.
Among those named in the state’s allegations are former Forum for Democratic Change president Dr Kizza Besigye, Obeid Lutale, former Kamuli district chairperson Salaam Musumba, former Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda and former intelligence chief Charles Rwomushana.
Prosecutors told court that they intend to present evidence showing that meetings were held where discussions about government change through force were allegedly raised.
The state alleges that a private security contractor identified as Andrew Wilson was approached by Joel Wakayima, a Ugandan based in Switzerland, with requests related to firearms and military training.
According to prosecutors, Wilson allegedly reported the matter to Ugandan authorities and later worked with security agencies as part of investigations into the claims.
The state further alleges that Wakayima later introduced Wilson to Salaam Musumba, who reportedly sought assistance related to communication methods and intelligence gathering.
Prosecutors claim that another meeting later took place involving several opposition figures, including Lukwago, Ssemujju Nganda, Lubega Mukaku and Charles Rwomushana.
According to the prosecution, Wilson allegedly agreed to act as a military adviser during the discussions, while Lukwago allegedly failed to report the information to authorities.
The state told court that recordings of some of the alleged meetings would be presented as evidence during the trial.
The prosecution also made allegations involving Dr Kizza Besigye, claiming that he held meetings where plans to destabilise the government were allegedly discussed.
The state further alleged that Besigye discussed issues involving military installations, economic disruption and possible attacks against government officials.
Prosecutors also claimed that a meeting in 2024 involved discussions about an alleged plan targeting President Yoweri Museveni, including claims involving a drone attack.
The allegations have not been proven in court, and the accused individuals maintain their innocence while awaiting the opportunity to defend themselves.
Lukwago, who currently leads the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), has previously denied involvement in any criminal activities and rejected accusations against him.
The High Court will now hear the evidence from both the prosecution and defence before making a determination on the case.
The development has once again highlighted the deep political divisions in Uganda, with supporters of the opposition demanding fairness and transparency while government authorities insist that the legal process should be allowed to take its course.
As the case moves forward, Ugandans will be watching closely as one of the country’s most politically significant trials unfolds before the courts.
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