A prosecution witness in Dr Kizza Besigye’s treason trial has told the High Court that he used a fake $5 million financial offer, promises of weapons and military training to gain access to a group he alleges was plotting to overthrow President Yoweri Museveni’s government.
Andrew Wilson Orlando, described as a British-American private security investigator, said he presented himself as a wealthy foreign financier with access to money, weapons and military support.
Orlando told Justice Emmanuel Baguma that he used a fictitious company, fake associates and hidden recording devices to build trust with Besigye and Ugandan national Joel Wakayima, who is based in Switzerland.
He claimed he promised to provide $5 million, weapons and support for military training in Kisumu, Kenya, including hand grenades that were allegedly code-named “pineapples.”
The witness said the financiers and company behind the offer were fictitious and that the entire arrangement was part of his undercover operation.
Orlando also testified that he secretly recorded meetings using covert equipment, including a camera hidden inside a mobile power bank.
He further alleged that discussions involved military training, acquisition of weapons and a possible drone attack against President Museveni. He claimed Besigye said the group had support from serving military officers who would help take control of Kampala.
However, the court has not made any finding confirming an assassination plot or that Besigye participated in one. Besigye has denied allegations that he planned to overthrow the government by force.
The prosecution says it will rely on Orlando’s testimony, recordings, communication records and other evidence in the case.
The trial continues.
