American Witness Used Budget Gadgets for Besigye Meeting Recordings

Andrew Wilson, known as Orlando and a crucial witness in the treason trial of Dr. Kizza Besigye, testified that the secret recordings he made during meetings with the opposition figure were done using affordable technology. Wilson explained that the devices, which included hidden cameras and microphones disguised as flash drives, necklaces, power banks, and USB chargers, were commercial items and not high-end equipment. This choice was driven by a tight budget, according to the witness.

Wilson stated that these gadgets recorded in segments, with video clips lasting around 15 minutes and audio recordings up to two hours. He presented these recordings, along with videos, to Ugandan security officials through Mr. Moses Barasa. The witness conveyed his apprehension, shared by other security personnel, regarding the seriousness of the plans discussed by Dr. Besigye and his associates, Joel Wakayima and Frank Kehiriwe.

According to Wilson’s testimony, the group progressed with plans for a training camp in Kisumu, Kenya. He mentioned fabricating an excuse about funding issues to explain the cancellation of a December training session, as confirmation of their intent. Wilson further detailed a follow-up meeting in Geneva on January 28, 2024, held in his rented apartment. During this meeting, discussions reportedly focused on financing, logistics, and Dr. Besigye’s group’s capacity to mobilize support for a forceful takeover of the country. Wilson claimed to have proposed the assassination of President Yoweri Museveni during this discussion, though he noted that he and Dr. Besigye suggested blaming the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) for the act, rather than claiming responsibility directly.

The witness described using two magnetic audio devices and a covert camera hidden in a power bank during the Geneva meeting. He noted that he met Dr. Besigye and Mr. Wakayima earlier in their hotel lobby to ensure they were not being followed before proceeding to the apartment. When questioned about the meeting’s content, Wilson confirmed that the assassination plot was a primary topic, with Mr. Wakayima reportedly seeking praise for the idea, while Besigye and Wilson preferred to attribute it to the ADF.