Veteran Ugandan opposition politician Kizza Besigye has been charged with treason in a civilian court, after his case was transferred from a military tribunal.
The 68-year-old, who has run for president against long-serving leader Yoweri Museveni four times, faces a possible death sentence if found guilty.
Besigye was dramatically abducted in Kenya in November and taken back to Uganda to face a military trial.
However, a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court last month declared that trying civilians in military courts was unconstitutional, leading to the transfer of his case.
The opposition leader has been accused of plotting to remove Museveni from power by force, allegedly holding meetings in Switzerland, Greece, and Kenya to solicit military, financial, and logistical support.
Besigye’s lawyer has requested that he be transferred to a better health facility outside the prison, but the application was dismissed.
Besigye has ended his hunger strike, which he began last week to protest his continued detention.
His case has sparked concerns about political persecution, with Besigye accusing the Ugandan authorities of targeting him for his opposition to Museveni’s government.
