law 5 October 2026 Nile Post
Lutale Defence Drops Objection to Transcription Evidence in Besigye Treason Trial
The defense team for Obeid Lutale has withdrawn their objection to the admissibility of transcription reports, a key piece of evidence derived from audio and video recordings in the treason trial of Kizza Besigye. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/375723/lutale-defence-withdraws-objection-to-transcription-evidence-in-besigye-trial
The High Court in Kampala has seen a significant development in the treason trial involving veteran politician Kizza Besigye, as the defense for co-accused Obeid Lutale has withdrawn its objection to the prosecution’s use of transcription reports.
These transcripts are derived from over 20 hours of audiovisual recordings, which have been central to the prosecution’s case. Previously, Lutale’s lawyers had challenged the admissibility of these transcripts, citing concerns about the verification of the original electronic source material and the prosecution’s failure to present the initial handling officer of the recordings.
The defense argued that the integrity of the evidence depended on confirming that the device used for transcription was the same one presented in court. However, a letter dated September 22 informed the trial judge, Emmanuel Baguma, of their decision to withdraw the objection.
“I had my ruling ready but even if I read it, there is a new development and that means it can’t make much impact,” Justice Baguma stated, noting that the withdrawal rendered his prepared ruling unnecessary.
This move clears the path for the prosecution to proceed with its second witness, Dr. Medadi Erisa Ssentanda from Makerere University’s Department of Languages. Dr. Ssentanda is tasked with explaining the transcription process.
Justice Baguma has directed a specific method for presenting the evidence: the audiovisual material will be played first, followed by Dr. Ssentanda guiding the court to the corresponding section in the transcription reports. This approach aims to clearly demonstrate the link between the recordings and the written transcripts.
During the proceedings, it was noted that the transcripts frequently use the word “indistinct,” suggesting that considerable portions of the original recordings were unclear. The defense is expected to cross-examine Dr. Ssentanda on the accuracy and process of these transcriptions.
Kizza Besigye himself was absent from court, with ongoing concerns about his health impacting his ability to attend the proceedings. The recordings in question are alleged to have been made in Greece, Switzerland, and Nairobi by the first prosecution witness during meetings involving Besigye and his associates.