Mr. Obed Lutale, 65, a trusted confidant and long-serving ally of Col (Rtd) Dr. Kizza Besigye, was yesterday arraigned before the General Court Martial in Makindye. The duo faces charges of security-related offenses and illegal possession of firearms, marking another chapter in Dr. Besigye’s fraught political journey.
Sources familiar with the matter told Nowviba that Obed Lutale has been a key figure in Dr. Besigye’s political operations for over 20 years now, since 2001. He first joined forces with the four-time presidential candidate during his inaugural campaign, serving as a logistics officer. Over the years, Lutale’s responsibilities have grown to include managing campaign finances, organizing accommodations, meals, and payments for personnel in Dr. Besigye’s 2006, 2011, and 2016 presidential bids.
Appearing before Brigadier Freeman Mugabe, chairman of the General Court Martial, prosecutors alleged that between October 2023 and November 2024, Dr. Kizza Besigye, Obeid Lutale, and other unnamed associates convened meetings in the cities Nairobi, Athens, and Geneva. These meetings were purportedly aimed at mobilizing logistical support and identifying potential military targets within Uganda. Prosecutors contend that these activities posed a direct threat to the security of the Defence Forces.
In addition to these accusations, the two face charges of illegal possession of firearms. According to court documents, the pair was found with two pistols—a Model 27KAL No. 765 and an HB 1014 1953—on November 16 at Riverside Apartments in Nairobi, Kenya. Both weapons are classified as property of the Defence Forces, and their unauthorized possession contravenes Uganda’s Firearms Act.
Since their arrest last Saturday, Lutale and Dr. Besigye claim they have been denied access to legal counsel. Speaking to journalists after the court session, they expressed concerns about the fairness of the proceedings and their lack of preparation to respond to the charges.
Dr. Kizza Besigye, a prominent figure in Uganda’s opposition, has a history of clashing with authorities over his political activism. Having contested the presidency four times, he remains a polarizing figure in the country’s political landscape. Additionally, this isn’t the first time Dr. Besigye is being tried in the General Court Martial, as he has faced trial twice before, in 2005 and 2016. Lutale, although less known to the public, has been a steadfast member of his team, ensuring the logistical success of his campaigns.
The allegations involving international activities linked to Uganda’s security have heightened public interest. As the case unfolds, it highlights the continued scrutiny faced by opposition leaders and their associates in Uganda’s volatile political environment.
