KAMPALA, Uganda. A British national already detained in Uganda on suspicion of espionage now faces additional charges of treason, escalating a case that has drawn international scrutiny and raised questions about judicial independence in the East African nation. The suspect, identified as David Alexander, 42, a former defence consultant, was originally arrested in January at his residence in the capital, Kampala, following allegations that he had shared classified military information with foreign actors.
Government prosecutors on Tuesday filed supplementary charges in the Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court, accusing Alexander of attempting to overthrow the government, an offence under Section 23 of Uganda’s Penal Code that carries a potential sentence of life imprisonment. The move comes amid a broader crackdown on perceived dissent, with human rights groups warning that such cases are increasingly used to silence critics of President Yoweri Museveni’s administration. Alexander’s legal team, led by Kampala-based barrister Sarah Nakku, has rejected the new charges as politically motivated.
“These allegations are baseless and manufactured. My client has cooperated fully with authorities, yet the state continues to escalate without providing evidence,” Nakku told reporters outside the court. The prosecution, however, argues that new evidence emerged from a forensic analysis of Alexander’s electronic devices, allegedly revealing encrypted communications with individuals linked to opposition groups.
Uganda’s Directorate of Public Prosecutions declined to comment on the specifics, citing ongoing investigations. The case has heightened diplomatic tensions between London and Kampala. The British High Commission in Uganda has confirmed it is providing consular support to Alexander’s family and has urged a fair and transparent process.
A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “We are concerned by the nature of these charges and are monitoring the proceedings closely. Our priority remains the welfare of the British national.” Alexander’s arrest and subsequent charges follow a pattern of recent legal actions targeting foreign nationals and local activists.
In 2022, a Swedish journalist was deported after a brief detention for allegedly violating visa conditions. Analysts suggest that the government is leveraging such cases to consolidate power ahead of the 2026 elections. Uganda’s judiciary, long criticised for its lack of independence, faces renewed pressure to demonstrate impartiality.
The trial, expected to proceed in the High Court, could test the judicial system’s ability to handle sensitive national security cases without political interference. The new charges are likely to prolong Alexander’s detention; he has already been held without bail since February. A bail hearing is scheduled for next week, but legal experts express scepticism, noting that treason charges typically preclude release.
For now, Alexander remains in custody at Kitalya Prison on the outskirts of Kampala, as the case continues to unfold against a backdrop of mounting international attention.
