Archival Sense
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
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Uganda's latest treason case has revealed one of the most detailed accounts yet of an alleged plot to overthrow the government through armed rebellion, involving meetings in several countries, requests for foreign military support, alleged plans to attack military installations, counterfeit currency operations and even discussions about assassinating President Yoweri Museveni.
The allegations emerged during court proceedings as prosecutors outlined the case they intend to prove before the High Court. At this stage, the prosecution's claims remain allegations and have not been tested through cross-examination or determined by the court.
According to prosecutors, the alleged conspiracy stretches from Belgium and Switzerland to Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia, with an undercover operative identified as Andrew Wilson (AW) allegedly infiltrating the network over several years.
According to the prosecution, Wilson was approached in 2021 by Switzerland based Ugandan Joel Wakaima, who allegedly sought military training and weapons “to overturn the Government of Uganda by force of arms.”
Instead of accepting the proposal, prosecutors allege Wilson reported the matter to Ugandan authorities and was recruited by the then Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) to continue engaging the alleged conspirators while secretly recording meetings and conversations.
The alleged infiltration
According to prosecutors, every significant meeting was secretly recorded using hidden cameras and audio devices, by Andrew Wilson. Those recordings, together with WhatsApp conversations, immigration records, travel documents and forensic examinations of electronic devices, are expected to form a major part of the prosecution's evidence.The prosecution further alleges that Wilson regularly reported developments to military intelligence while maintaining his undercover identity.
The alleged role of Kizza Besigye
At the centre of the prosecution's case is opposition politician Kizza Besigye, identified throughout the proceedings as the principal figure seeking military assistance from Wilson.According to the prosecution, Besigye allegedly requested military training for selected supporters, covert intelligence instruction, weapons, drones, grenades and counterfeit Uganda shillings.
Prosecutors allege that Besigye wanted counterfeit currency introduced into Uganda's economy to finance activities and destabilise the country's financial system.
The prosecution further claims that Besigye allegedly requested military assistance to attack government security installations across Uganda, including military barracks, training schools and intelligence facilities.
The prosecution also claims Besigye and others discussed assassinating President Museveni using a drone strike, with Besigye allegedly undertaking to provide details about the President's movements.
These allegations remain unproven and will be tested during trial.
Why Salaam Musumba appears in the case
Former Forum for Democratic Change vice president Salaam Musumba appears early in the prosecution's narrative.
According to prosecutors, she allegedly initiated contact by inviting Wilson to Brussels, Belgium, where she organised a meeting attended by several individuals, including the accused persons.
The prosecution alleges that during that meeting, Wilson agreed to become the group's security contact after discussions about overthrowing the government.
Musumba is therefore portrayed by prosecutors as the person who allegedly introduced the undercover operative into the wider network.
Her alleged significance lies in introducing Wilson to individuals whom prosecutors say later developed the alleged conspiracy.
Whether that interpretation is supported by evidence will ultimately be determined during trial.
How Ssemujju Nganda is linked
Unlike the allegations against Besigye, the prosecution does not accuse Ssemujju of participating in planning attacks, seeking weapons or organising military training.
Instead, prosecutors rely on the offence of misprision of treason.
Under Ugandan law, this offence concerns a person who allegedly knows that treason is being planned but deliberately fails to report it to authorities or take reasonable steps to prevent it.
The prosecution alleges that because of his senior leadership position within the People's Front for Freedom, Ssemujju knew about the alleged meetings, training plans and discussions involving Besigye and others.
According to prosecutors, he allegedly knew members of his political organisation travelled for meetings connected to the alleged conspiracy but failed to notify authorities.
His alleged criminal responsibility therefore rests not on organising the alleged plot but on allegedly remaining silent despite knowledge of it.
Whether prosecutors can prove such knowledge beyond reasonable doubt is likely to become one of the central issues during trial.
Why Erias Lukwago appears in the proceedings
The prosecution argues that Lukwago knew of the alleged plans developed by members of the People's Front for Freedom and deliberately failed to report them.
Like Ssemujju Nganda, prosecutors appear to rely principally on allegations of misprision of treason rather than direct participation in military planning.
The prosecution repeatedly argues that Lukwago allegedly knew about overseas meetings, discussions concerning military assistance and training, and the alleged preparations for armed rebellion but took no steps to inform authorities.
These allegations remain contested.
International dimension
One of the prosecution's most significant themes is its portrayal of an alleged international network.Meetings allegedly occurred in:
- Belgium
- Switzerland
- Kenya
- The Democratic Republic of Congo
- Zambia
If proved, the prosecution appears likely to argue that these international elements demonstrate planning extending well beyond Uganda's borders.
The evidence prosecutors say they possess
The prosecution told court it intends to rely on several categories of evidence, including:- Secret video recordings of meetings.
- Hidden audio recordings.
- WhatsApp conversations.
- Immigration and travel records.
- Forensic examinations of mobile phones and electronic devices.
- Statements from the undercover operative.
- Physical exhibits allegedly recovered after arrests.
What happens next
Opening statements are not evidence. They simply outline what prosecutors intend to prove during trial.The defence will have the opportunity to challenge every allegation, question the credibility of witnesses, dispute the authenticity of recordings and argue that the prosecution has failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The High Court will ultimately determine whether the prosecution's allegations are supported by admissible evidence or whether the accused should be acquitted.
For now, the claims outlined in court remain allegations, and all accused persons continue to be presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of law.
Photos courtesy of NilePost and Daily Monitor.
