Besigye Trial: Witness Defends Poor Quality Video Evidence

During the ongoing treason trial of Dr. Kizza Besigye, a state witness named Andrew Wilson presented over two hours of video and audio evidence, which he claims were covertly recorded during meetings aimed at destabilizing Uganda. The footage, allegedly captured in Geneva, Nairobi, and Athens, was played before Criminal Division judge Emmanuel Baguma.

The quality of the recordings was notably poor, with significant background noise and unclear visuals, making it difficult for many in attendance, including opposition figure Dr. Lulume Bayiga, to discern the content or identify individuals clearly. Some attendees reportedly left the proceedings, deeming the evidence insufficient.

Wilson, a private security investigator, explained that the initial recordings were made under unprepared circumstances and promised to provide better-quality evidence. He asserted that the videos depicted discussions involving treasonous plots and allegedly showed money intended to be counterfeited to disrupt Uganda’s economy. He also claimed to have recorded meetings where paramilitary training and the acquisition of weapons, including firearms and poisons, were discussed.

The witness detailed his use of various concealed devices to capture the evidence, such as cameras disguised as chargers and a necklace, along with audio recorders. He identified one recording as featuring Dr. Besigye alongside Joel Wakayima, a Ugandan based in Switzerland, discussing plans for paramilitary training.

Wilson further testified about threats he claims to have received from an individual named Frank Kihehere and detailed circumstances surrounding a missed recording during Besigye’s arrest in Nairobi. He confirmed handing over some of the recording devices and a hard drive containing collected materials to Ugandan authorities, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

Dr. Besigye is being tried in absentia, having refused to attend court, citing alleged bias. He and his co-accused, Hajji Obeid Lutale and Captain Denis Oola, have denied the treason charges.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/besigye-trial-state-witness-defends-unclear-noisy-video-evidence