Lukwago’s treason storm: Inside the alleged Museveni assassination and coup plot

Prosecution claims former Kampala mayor knew of secret meetings but stayed silent.

Former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has been committed to the High Court over allegations that he knew about a secret plot to overthrow President Yoweri Museveni’s government by force but chose not to alert authorities.

Lukwago has been committed for trial on charges of misprision of treason, a case built around claims that he had knowledge of alleged treasonous activities involving opposition figures and foreign contacts.

According to the prosecution, the alleged plot began when Joel Wakhaima, a Ugandan based in Switzerland, approached Andrew Wilson (AW)seeking assistance to acquire weapons and military training for Ugandans inside and outside the country.

The prosecution alleges that Wakhaima wanted AW to help organise firearms, training and other support to overthrow the government through armed means.

However, prosecutors say AW became suspicious and reported the matter to Ugandan authorities,through a UPDF solider in Somalia.

According to the indictment, AW was later asked to continue communicating with Wakhaima while working with intelligence officers to gather information about the alleged plan.

The prosecution alleges that AW later connected with Salam Musumba, who allegedly requested training in covert communication and intelligence gathering.

The indictment states that AW later met with opposition figures during meetings in Europe, including a gathering in Brussels, Belgium, where Erias Lukwago was allegedly present.

Prosecutors claim Lukwago was aware of discussions involving AW and others but failed to report them.

The case then allegedly moved to Geneva, Switzerland, where prosecutors say Dr Kizza Besigye held meetings with AW and other individuals.

During the October 29, 2023 meeting, prosecutors allege that Dr Besigye requested military assistance, including training in intelligence and paramilitary tactics.

The prosecution further claims that discussions included plans to obtain counterfeit Ugandan currency to finance activities and destabilise the economy.

According to the indictment, Dr Besigye allegedly provided AW with a list of military and security installations that could be targeted.

The facilities listed include Makindye Barracks, Bugembe Barracks, Gaddafi Barracks in Jinja, Magamaga Military Barracks, the Air Force Academy and other security facilities.

The prosecution says recordings of the meetings will be presented in court.

Alleged plan to kill Museveni

The biggest allegation in the case is a claim that the group discussed assassinating President Museveni using a drone.

The prosecution alleges that during a January 2024 meeting in Geneva, Dr Besigye and Wakhaima requested AW’s help to carry out the attack.

They allegedly discussed providing details about the President’s movements and security weaknesses.

The indictment further claims that promises were allegedly made regarding access to Uganda’s financial sector and other facilities if the alleged plan succeeded.

Prosecutors allege that another meeting held in June 2024 focused on training selected Ugandans in Kenya in intelligence gathering, surveillance and drone operations.

The prosecution claims Lukwago knew about the alleged activities because of his leadership position in PFF.

The prosecution alleges that on November 16, 2024, Dr Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutale met AW and another foreign contact in Nairobi.

During the meeting, prosecutors claim discussions included acquiring advanced weapons, including missiles, and plans involving civil disobedience.

A day later, Dr Besigye and Lutale were handed over to Ugandan security officers at Malaba border with exhibits including mobile phones and firearms, according to the prosecution.

They were initially charged before the General Court Martial before the matter was later transferred following a Supreme Court decision.

Lukwago’s case will now proceed before the High Court. The allegations against are yet to be proven in court.

Court also heard that earlier directives requiring prisons authorities to take Lukwago for medical examination at Mulago National Referral Hospital had been complied with.

According to the prosecution, Lukwago was admitted to Mulago on June 25, 2026, where a team of senior medical specialists examined him.

Their report was later submitted to court on June 30, 2026, and forms part of the prosecution’s evidence.

Lukwago was represented in court by a team of lawyers led by Medard Lubega Ssegona, alongside several other defence advocates.

Lukwago was asked to file for bail in the High Court as the Chief Magistrate’s Court has no jurisdiction on granting him bail.