news 6 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)

Besigye's Defence Team Cries Foul Over Denied Prison Access, Electronic Equipment

The legal team for opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused have petitioned the High Court, citing denied access to Luzira Prison and restrictions on bringing crucial preparation materials. They argue these hindrances jeopardize their ability to prepare for an upcoming treason trial. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/setback-for-besigye-defence-as-lawyers-denied-laptops-unrestricted-access-to-luzira-prison-5487574

Lawyers representing Dr. Kizza Besigye, Hajj Obeid Lutale, and Denis Oola have escalated their concerns to the High Court, asserting that directives for adequate consultation facilities have been ignored. The defence team’s petition highlights the denial of unrestricted access to Luzira Prison, a situation they claim severely hinders their preparation for a treason trial scheduled to begin next week.

In a letter dated June 5, the advocates noted that a directive from trial judge Justice Emmanuel Baguma for weekend and public holiday access, coupled with necessary consultation provisions, has not been acted upon by prison authorities. Adding to their frustration, one of the defence lawyers was reportedly blocked from entering the prison with a laptop and flash drives on June 4.

“To date, we have not received any notification that such a letter has been written to or that permission was granted by the prison authorities,” the defense stated, emphasizing the urgency given the June 11 trial date. To ensure a fair trial and uphold advocate-client privilege, the legal team is demanding a secure, private interview room away from intelligence personnel.

Their requests include broad access to Luzira Prison from 8 am to 6 pm daily. They also seek permission to bring essential electronic equipment such as laptops, mobile phones, flash drives, and a projector, alongside a stable internet connection. The team further wants to include an independent IT expert and forensic examiner of their choice, and be allowed to bring in bulky case files, legal texts, notebooks, and even packed food for extended consultation sessions.

This legal battle unfolds shortly after another setback for the accused, when Justice Baguma dismissed their application to refer their case to the Constitutional Court. The judge found no substantial constitutional question had been raised, maintaining the trial commencement date. Dr. Besigye and his co-accused face treason charges, which they deny as politically motivated.