They Pleaded That We Involve Bobi Wine In The Plot To Overthrow Museveni But Besigye Refused Saying He Is Still An Amateur In Politics – Wilson Narrates

A prosecution witness in the treason trial of opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye has told court that discussions allegedly involved attempts to bring National Unity Platform leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, into a plan to overthrow President Yoweri Museveni’s government.

Andrew Wilson Orlando, a private security investigator and key prosecution witness, told the High Court in Kampala that he suggested involving Kyagulanyi during meetings with Besigye and Joel Wakayima.

Orlando claimed that he repeatedly raised the idea of bringing Bobi Wine into the discussions, but alleged that Besigye rejected the proposal, saying Kyagulanyi was still inexperienced in politics.

According to the witness, Besigye believed he already had established connections and plans involving senior military officers who could support his alleged efforts.

Orlando told court that he also raised the matter during a meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, but claimed Besigye again declined to involve Kyagulanyi.

The witness alleged that Besigye said he had already made arrangements with powerful contacts in the security sector, including individuals outside Uganda.

Orlando further claimed that Besigye spoke about having links with military officers in Congo and other countries who were aware of the alleged plans.

He told court that the discussions were part of a wider alleged plan involving weapons, military training and attempts to challenge the government through force.

Orlando claimed that the group discussed removing President Museveni from power and later avoiding responsibility by shifting blame to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).

He alleged that the reason for blaming ADF was to avoid public backlash and protect the political image of those involved.

The witness told court that the alleged plan involved creating a new political arrangement after Museveni’s removal, which he referred to as the PFF government.

However, the allegations presented by Orlando remain claims from the prosecution side and have not been proven by court.

Orlando also testified that the alleged plan faced setbacks after Wakayima was arrested in Switzerland, which he claimed affected the momentum of the discussions.

He said Besigye later tasked individuals, including a person identified as Samuel, to help move party supporters to Kisumu, Kenya, for alleged military training.

According to the witness, the plan was disrupted after Ugandan security agencies reportedly intercepted and returned some of the individuals involved.

Orlando told court that he had presented himself as someone capable of providing financial support, weapons and other resources to the group.

He claimed that there were discussions about possible benefits his company would receive if the alleged plan succeeded, including government contracts and access to special privileges.

The witness said his role was to gather information through meetings and recordings after presenting himself as a potential supporter of the alleged activities.

The prosecution has relied on Orlando’s testimony alongside alleged audio and video recordings, communication records and other evidence in the treason case.

Besigye, a retired army colonel and longtime opposition leader, has denied accusations that he planned to overthrow the government through violent means.

The trial continues before the High Court, where the defence is expected to respond to the allegations presented by the prosecution.