KAMPALA – Uganda this week was a stage for intertwined narratives of legal challenges, political strife, infrastructural development, and public safety concerns, painting a detailed picture of the nation’s current state. The legal arena was dominated by the ongoing treason case against Dr. Kizza Besigye and his aide, Hajj Obeid Lutale.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) applied to the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court seeking permission to access the mobile phones of the accused, arguing that preliminary investigations suggested the devices contained crucial data related to the alleged offenses.
Nakawa Chief Magistrate Esther Nyadoi was scheduled to hear the application on March 7th, but Besigye’s lawyers, led by Erias Lukwago, requested a postponement due to late service of the application.
The legal team, which also includes Fred Mpanga, Samuel Muyizzi, and Kato Tumusiime, now has until March 14th to prepare.
The ODPP, represented by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Thomas Jatiko, Chief State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka, and State Attorney Eunice Baine, also sought an order to retain the electronic devices and their data for forensic analysis. “Forensic analysis of the devices is necessary to determine the exact nature and evidential value of the data they contain,” Birivumbuka stated.
He told the court that investigations into the treason case are ongoing, emphasizing that the law grants them six months to complete investigations.
This statement followed pressure from the defense to provide a timeline. The magistrate directed the state to finalize investigations, enabling Besigye’s lawyers to proceed in a competent court, as the current court lacks jurisdiction. Besigye and Lutale face charges of treason and misprision of treason, alongside UPDF officer Captain Denis Oola, attached to the armored brigade.
The charge sheet alleges that between 2023 and November 2024, in various locations including Geneva, Athens, Nairobi, and Kampala, they conspired to overturn the government by force of arms. They are also accused of failing to report knowledge of another person’s intent to commit treason.
The prosecution alleges that the accused traveled to these locations to attend meetings aimed at furthering their plot, and that they provided logistical support and organized Ugandan citizens to travel to Kisumu, Kenya, for military and intelligence training. They are purported to have solicited military, financial, and logistical support to overthrow the government.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni paid tribute to the late Eriya Kategaya, stating that he was a “trailblazer in the realm of patriotic politics.”
Speaking at a memorial service in Kololo, attended by First Lady Janet Museveni, Museveni praised Kategaya as a steadfast advocate of nationalism and cautioned against identity-based politics. “In the 1960s, it was due to Kategaya that we started seeing the mistakes of UPC, DP and Kabaka Yekka, of the politics of identity,” Museveni remarked.
He also emphasized the importance of appreciating individual qualities and urged leaders to maintain clear objectives in their governance. Two books were launched at the memorial: one honoring Kategaya with tributes from 20 individuals, and the memoir “Reflections of Resilience” by Joan Kategaya.
In Kawempe North, the UPDF and UPF remained tight-lipped about the deployment of the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JAT), accused of terrorizing opposition supporters during the by-election campaigns.
UPDF Spokesperson, Acting Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye, and Police Spokesperson, ACP Kituuma Rusoke, did not confirm whether the deployment was ordered by the army or requested by the police. When questioned, Maj Gen Kulayigye and CT Director AIGP David Wasswa Ssengendo stated that JAT is a joint force. Kulayigye explained that JAT is in Kawempe because the situation is “not ordinary,” citing videos of stones being thrown at security officers and claims that Robert Kyagulanyi defied advice to use a different route.
However, Kulayigye’s explanation did not provide specific intelligence justifying the JAT deployment. JAT, a combination of forces from police, external and internal organizations, and DIS, has been accused of unleashing terror against NUP, with many supporters sustaining injuries. NUP leadership is compiling a list of brutalized supporters for legal action.
President Museveni commissioned the Kampala Flyover Project, funded by JICA, aimed at easing traffic congestion. He urged Ugandans to stop littering, emphasizing its role in blocking drainage channels and causing flooding. “Now that we have cameras, KCCA should work with the police to use these cameras to catch those throwing polythene bags and rubbish on the roadsides,” Museveni said. He praised the partnership with Japan and urged them to invest in Africa’s manufacturing sector.
The police leadership presented a 2.5 trillion shilling budget proposal to Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, aimed at implementing the sub-county-based policing model. Police Undersecretary Aggrey Wunyi explained that the model, directed by Museveni, would bring police closer to rural communities and minimize criminal activity.
He stated that the model would require the recruitment of 10,000 police officers, costing over 43 billion shillings. With over 2,184 sub-counties, town councils, and municipalities, and a suggested deployment of 18 officers per sub-county, the total personnel requirement would be 39,300. Wunyi proposed the recruitment of additional personnel as many senior officers and those in specialized roles would not be deployed at sub-counties.
In the Kawempe North by-election, NUP flag bearer Elias Nalukoola Luyimbazi criticized rivals for making unrealistic promises, focusing his campaign on legislating laws and fighting corruption. NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya urged supporters to remain hopeful and participate.
The Kawempe Grade One Magistrate Court granted bail to 23 NUP supporters arrested during a procession to a rally, charged with damaging a police vehicle and other offenses. Court proceedings were disrupted when one suspect collapsed, but the court granted bail, noting visible signs of torture. The accused are scheduled to return to court on March 18, 2025.
Charles Bukenya Muvawala, UNAA vice-president and NUP supporter, was found dumped in Buliisa District after being abducted in Kampala. He claimed to have been tortured and dumped in a swamp. NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi confirmed speaking with Muvawala, who recounted his ordeal. Attempts to find the exact location were futile.
The Ministry of Health flagged off the distribution of 2.278 million malaria vaccine doses to 105 districts, targeting children under two. Health Minister Dr. Jane Aceng emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening disease prevention efforts.
Experts cautioned about Uganda’s Petroleum Fund, and Minister Ruth Nankabirwa defended its legal mandate for infrastructure. A fire in central Kampala claimed two lives and injured 17, with initial reports suggesting chemical mishandling as the cause.
Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago criticized the fire brigade’s slow response. Justice Douglas Singiza Karekona was appointed Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission, succeeding Justice Benjamin Kabito.
