High Court Orders Besigye Treason Trial to Commence Within a Week Amid Defence Objections

The High Court in Kampala has issued a directive for the treason trial involving veteran opposition politician Colonel Dr. Kizza Besigye to commence within a week. Besigye is facing charges alongside his aide, Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, and UPDF Captain Denis Oola, with allegations of plotting to overthrow the Ugandan government.

Justice Emmanuel Baguma set a deadline of June 8, 2026, for all pre-trial proceedings, including the selection of assessors. The prosecution is expected to begin presenting its witnesses on June 11, 2026. The prosecution team stated that all evidence, including numerous documents and audio-visual recordings, has been disclosed to the defence.

However, Besigye’s defence team, led by Erias Lukwago, argued that the allotted time is insufficient for them to review the extensive evidence and prepare adequately. They cited restrictions on access to their clients at Luzira prison, where equipment for reviewing audio and video evidence is limited and meetings are restricted, particularly on weekends.

In response to the defence’s concerns, Justice Baguma ordered that prison authorities facilitate weekend and holiday meetings between the accused and their lawyers, and that appropriate facilities be provided for evidence review. Despite these orders, the defence maintained that the time frame remained inadequate.

Further complicating matters, the defence claimed that some prosecution evidence, including statements from at least five witnesses, had not yet been disclosed. They also sought to have several constitutional questions referred to the Constitutional Court, questioning the definition of “adequate time and facilities” for trial preparation and the constitutionality of certain prison access restrictions.

Justice Baguma reserved his ruling on the referral of constitutional questions. The prosecution alleges the accused held meetings in various international cities to solicit funds and acquire resources for their alleged plot, which included plans to assassinate the President and acquire advanced weaponry. The three accused were remanded pending further proceedings.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)