Updated

An attorney says four men who worked for a renegade Ugandan general have been charged with plotting to overthrow Uganda's long-serving president.

Lawyer Ladislaus Rwakafuuzi said Friday the men — who worked as intelligence agents in the office of a wanted Ugandan general — will face a court martial for alleged "treachery," an offense as serious as treason under Ugandan military law and which carries the death penalty.

He said the men are charged with "activities intended to overthrow the legitimate government of Uganda."

This charge highlights the seriousness of the case against Gen. David Sejusa, a spy chief who defected to London after criticizing President Yoweri Museveni for allegedly grooming his son to succeed him as Uganda's next president. Sejusa has postponed his return, saying his life is in danger.