Ugandan opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye could receive a major breakthrough in his ongoing treason case after the country’s Director of Public Prosecutions, Lino Anguzu, said the charges could be withdrawn if a political agreement is reached.
The proposal has raised hopes among supporters of the veteran politician, who has remained in custody since his arrest in Kenya in November 2024.
Anguzu said the prosecution would consider the outcome of any political negotiations aimed at resolving the case.
However, he stressed that the trial would continue and the State would proceed with presenting its evidence unless an agreement was reached.
The possible settlement comes as senior figures are reportedly working behind the scenes to secure Besigye’s release.
General Caleb Akandwanaho, widely known as Salim Saleh and the brother of President Yoweri Museveni, is reportedly leading efforts to negotiate a political solution to the case.
The talks are expected to explore ways of resolving the dispute through dialogue rather than allowing the legal battle to continue without an agreement.
However, questions remain over whether the negotiations have the support of Besigye and his political allies.
Harold Kaijja, a senior official in the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), said no senior party leaders had been allowed to meet Besigye to discuss the proposed settlement.
He argued that the party could not negotiate on the opposition leader’s behalf without understanding his position and receiving guidance from him.
Kaijja maintained that Besigye was innocent and said the government should withdraw the charges against him.
Political analyst Dr Robert Ojambo also called for impartial dialogue, saying Uganda needed negotiations that were not controlled by either side if the country was to find a lasting solution to the political dispute.
Besigye and his co-accused, Obed Lutale and Captain Denis Oola, are facing treason-related charges over an alleged plot to overthrow the government of President Museveni by force.
The prosecution alleges that the accused and others held meetings in several locations, including Nairobi, Geneva, Athens and Kampala, as part of the alleged plan. Besigye and his co-accused deny the allegations.
Besigye and Lutale were arrested in Nairobi in November 2024 and taken to Uganda, where they were initially prosecuted before a military court.
Their case later moved to the civilian court system following legal challenges over the trial of civilians in military courts.
The case has attracted international attention, with human rights advocates raising concerns about Besigye’s detention, his reported deteriorating health and questions surrounding his access to legal representation.
In July 2026, Besigye reportedly collapsed during a court appearance, adding to concerns about his condition while in custody.
Despite the possibility of political negotiations, the treason trial remains active.
