The Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court has charged and remanded the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) flag bearer for the Busia Municipality MP seat, Samuel Makokha, over misprision of treason.
Prosecution alleges that Makokha became aware that PFF founder and four-time presidential candidate Dr Kizza Besigye allegedly planned to commit treason last year and failed to report the information to authorities.
Makokha denied the charge and was remanded to Luzira Prison until November 16, when his bail application will be heard.
Speaking to journalists after the court session, Makokha’s lawyers, Bayern Turinawe and Kakuru Tumusiime, argued that the case is baseless since Dr Besigye has never been convicted of treason and remains on remand.
“We feel like the charge is misconceived because Dr Kizza Besigye has not been convicted of treason for you to say someone knew he was about to commit treason and failed to report,” Kakuru said.
The lawyers added that they could not secure bail for Makokha on Tuesday due to the absence of state attorneys in court.
Misprision of treason is the crime of knowing someone is committing treason (actively betraying their country) but failing to report it to authorities, essentially concealing the act rather than participating in it.
It’s a lesser, “passive” offence compared to treason itself, which involves direct action, and involves a duty to disclose treasonous plots or actions to officials like the President, a judge, or a governor as soon as possible.
