Besigye Treason Trial: Witness Claims He Proposed Poisoning Air Force Pilots

During the ongoing treason trial of Dr. Kizza Besigye, a crucial prosecution witness, Andrew Wilson (also known as Orlando), has revealed a startling proposal made during a meeting allegedly held in Athens, Greece.

According to Wilson’s testimony before Justice Emmanuel Baguma, the discussion turned to potential methods for disrupting Uganda’s Air Force. While Dr. Besigye reportedly inquired about acquiring air-defence missiles and “man pads” capable of downing aircraft and helicopters, Wilson stated he refused to provide such information, deeming the request a “red flag.”

Instead of a direct missile attack, Wilson testified that he proposed an alternative strategy: poisoning the pilots. He told the court, “I brought the option of poison, which was, instead of attacking the aircraft, it might be easier to poison the pilots.” He also mentioned suggesting the use of drones as another method to disable aircraft.

The prosecution alleges that Dr. Besigye and his co-accused, Mr. Obed Lutaale and UPDF Captain Denis Oola, engaged in meetings both within Uganda and internationally as part of a plot to forcibly overthrow the government. The accused have consistently denied these allegations.

The court heard excerpts from an audio recording of the alleged Athens meeting, much of which was unclear. Chief State Attorney Richard Byaruhuka requested Wilson to clarify the conversations, identify participants, and explain the context of the discussions. Wilson placed the Athens meeting within a series of alleged contacts involving Dr. Besigye and his associates.

Further testimony from Wilson included allegations that a location where training was supposedly to occur was cleaned before police arrived after the arrest of 36 individuals. He also claimed Dr. Besigye spoke of an Italian priest in Uganda who had been helpful. The trial is set to continue.