Politics 19 August 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Besigye Plotted Cafe Javas Bombing, State Witness Claims
A state witness, private security investigator Andrew Wilson, has testified in the High Court that opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye discussed plans to acquire weapons and overthrow the Ugandan government. Wilson claims to have secretly recorded meetings where alleged plots, including a grenade attack on Cafe Javas, were discussed. Source: https://observer.ug/news/besigye-plotted-to-bomb-cafe-javas-state-spy-tells-court
High Court has heard dramatic testimony from Andrew Wilson, a private security investigator acting as a state witness. Wilson alleges he secretly recorded meetings with opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye, detailing purported plans to obtain weapons and overthrow the Ugandan government.
According to Wilson’s testimony, he was approached by a Swiss-based Ugandan, Joel Wakayima, to facilitate the supply of weapons, including grenades, drones, and surface-to-air missiles. These weapons were allegedly intended for a group associated with Besigye. Wilson also claims plans were discussed for paramilitary training for 40 to 60 individuals, potentially in Kisumu, Kenya.
Wilson stated that Besigye suggested using an airport in the Democratic Republic of Congo for weapons transport, citing previous successful operations. He further detailed a meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, where discussions allegedly included an attack on Kampala and the potential assassination of President Yoweri Museveni using drone strikes. The witness claimed that the plotters considered attributing the assassination to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) to protect Besigye’s reputation.
The witness also testified that a hand grenade attack on Cafe Javas in Kampala was proposed by Wakayima, as the location was frequented by government officials. Wilson indicated he began feigning inability to deliver weapons after cooperating with Ugandan security agencies.
Further allegations include discussions about creating civil unrest, interfering with commercial flights at Entebbe International Airport using drones, and obtaining counterfeit currency to destabilize Uganda’s economy. The prosecution is presenting witness testimony, audio/video recordings, and other digital evidence to support its case against Besigye and co-accused Obeid Lutale and Capt. Denis Oola.
This article is based on reporting from The Observer (Uganda).