Politics 8 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
European Powers Open to Museveni's Ouster, Court Hears
An American witness testified in Kampala that opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye claimed most European nations, with the exception of France, would not oppose President Yoweri Museveni's removal from power. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/european-countries-never-minded-replacing-museveni-witness-5587350
A witness in a Kampala court case has alleged that opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye expressed that European countries would not have opposed a change in Uganda’s leadership under President Yoweri Museveni.
Andrew Wilson, who identified himself as Orlando, testified before Justice Emmanuel Baguma that Dr. Besigye made these claims during a meeting in Nairobi, Kenya. According to Wilson, Dr. Besigye stated that while France maintained ties with the Ugandan government, other European nations were seemingly indifferent to Museveni’s potential replacement.
The witness further claimed that Dr. Besigye viewed armed groups operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo as potential allies in efforts to destabilize the Ugandan government, citing their opposition to President Museveni.
These statements were reportedly made during a meeting on November 16, 2024, which concluded with Dr. Besigye’s apprehension in Kenya and subsequent repatriation to Uganda. This evidence is part of the prosecution’s case against Dr. Besigye and two others accused of conspiring to overthrow the government.
In addition to discussions about foreign powers, Wilson also testified that Dr. Besigye alleged American and Rwandan financial support for Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, and his National Unity Platform (NUP) during the 2021 presidential elections. Dr. Besigye reportedly expressed skepticism about Kyagulanyi’s seriousness as a presidential contender.
The witness also relayed Dr. Besigye’s assessment of President Museveni’s leadership capabilities compared to his son, whom he claimed was being strategically positioned within the military. Dr. Besigye allegedly believed that removing President Museveni would lead to the collapse of the existing system.
Dr. Besigye is currently facing trial in absentia. The court heard these testimonies as part of the ongoing legal proceedings against the accused, who have denied all charges.