news 16 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Besigye Treason Trial: Key Witness Admits Lack of Formal Education
The main prosecution witness in the treason trial against opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye has informed the High Court that he possesses no formal academic qualifications, identifying himself as a self-taught security expert. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/besigye-trial-main-witness-tells-court-he-is-uneducated-5596938
During the ongoing treason trial involving opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye, a key prosecution witness, identified as Mr. Wilson Andrew, also known as Orlando, made a significant admission in court.
While undergoing cross-examination by the defense lawyers before Justice Emmanuel Baguma, Andrew stated that he has no academic qualifications to his name. He described his expertise in security matters as self-acquired.
Andrew, who holds a British-American nationality and is considered a security expert, is a central figure in the case. The defense has been intensely questioning his testimony and the evidence he has presented against Dr. Besigye.
The trial has seen various claims from witnesses, including allegations of plots to spy on President Museveni and the planting of weapons and money at a meeting. Andrew’s testimony has been crucial for the prosecution, but his lack of formal credentials raises questions about the basis of his expertise and the reliability of his evidence.
The court is expected to continue hearing testimony and arguments as the treason trial progresses. The defense has previously sought to challenge witness credibility by highlighting omissions in statements and the alleged loss of evidence.
This development adds another layer of complexity to the already high-profile trial, with the court needing to weigh the testimony of a self-taught expert against the defense’s scrutiny.