A prosecution witness in the treason trial of opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye has told the High Court in Kampala that a special power bank fitted with a hidden camera was used to secretly record meetings where an alleged plot to overthrow President Yoweri Museveni’s government was discussed.

Andrew Wilson Orlando, a private security investigator, told Justice Emmanuel Baguma that he used covert recording equipment during meetings involving Besigye and Joel Wakayima, a Ugandan based in Switzerland.

Orlando is testifying in a case where Besigye, Obeid Lutale and Captain Denis Oola are accused of allegedly plotting to overthrow the government. The accused have denied the allegations.

The witness said he was approached to help facilitate the supply of weapons, including hand grenades, drones and other military equipment, to a group allegedly linked to Besigye.

He told court that the discussions also involved organising paramilitary training for between 40 and 60 people in Kisumu, Kenya.

According to Orlando, difficulties arose over transporting the alleged weapons because of security monitoring around Kisumu airport, leading to discussions about alternative routes.

He claimed that Besigye suggested using an airport in the Democratic Republic of Congo, saying he had contacts who could help receive the consignment.

Orlando said that after deciding to cooperate with Ugandan security agencies, he started giving excuses for failing to deliver the promised weapons and equipment.

The witness told court that on November 28, 2023, he met Besigye and Wakayima in Geneva, Switzerland, where further discussions allegedly took place.

He said Besigye suggested moving the meeting to his apartment, but he declined because he had already prepared his own apartment with recording equipment.

Orlando said the meeting was later held at his apartment, where he used a hidden camera inside a power bank to record the conversation.

He testified that the discussions allegedly involved acquiring weapons, creating unrest and plans to take control of Kampala.

The witness claimed that when he asked whether Besigye had the ability to capture and control the capital, Besigye allegedly said he had support from senior serving military officers.

Orlando also told court that discussions allegedly involved a possible drone attack against President Museveni and concerns about who would take responsibility.

He claimed that there were discussions about blaming the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) because taking credit for assassinating a legitimate president would damage their public image.

The witness further testified that he presented himself as having access to $5 million, which he said would be placed on a Dubai bank account accessible to Besigye.

He told court that the money and financiers behind the offer were part of an undercover operation and did not actually exist.

Orlando also claimed that he suggested involving National Unity Platform leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, in the discussions, but alleged that Besigye rejected the idea.

The prosecution says it will rely on Orlando’s testimony, audio and video recordings, communication records and other evidence to support its case.

However, the allegations presented in court remain claims by the prosecution and have not been proven by a court ruling. Besigye has previously denied accusations that he planned to overthrow the government through force.

The trial continues before the High Court.