Uganda’s main opposition leader has been charged with treason, days after being arrested for mocking President Yoweri Museveni over the country’s recent disputed election.
Kizza Besigye was charged at a magistrate court without the presence of his lawyers, justice ministry spokesman, Solomon Muita, said on Saturday
Treason carries a possible death sentence in Uganda.
The charges came after the main opposition party, Forum for Democratic Change, filmed a mock swearing-in ceremony of Besigye. The movie went viral this week on YouTube.
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Besigye was subsequently arrested and flown to the remote town of Moroto, roughly 500 kilometres north-east of the capital, Kampala.
Museveni was sworn in for a new five-year term on Thursday.
The 71-year-old president, who has ruled the East African country since 1986, took 60 per cent of the vote in general elections held February 18.
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The opposition says the elections were rigged.
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