KAMPALA, Uganda — Opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye on Tuesday raised concerns over the conduct of his ongoing treason trial, urging the High Court Criminal Division to first determine outstanding procedural and constitutional issues before the substantive hearing proceeds.
Besigye appeared before Justice Emmanuel Baguma alongside his co-accused, Hajji Obeid Lutale, during proceedings that largely focused on preliminary applications relating to the management of the case.
Addressing the court, Besigye argued that unresolved procedural matters were fundamental to his ability to adequately prepare and participate in his defence.
He maintained that the court should first address the pending issues before embarking on the trial of the substantive charges.
In response, Justice Baguma advised that the concerns be presented through formal written applications or pursued within motions already before the court, noting that the oral requests could not be determined immediately during the proceedings.
Besigye’s submissions centered on the constitutional right to a fair hearing under Article 28 of the Constitution, including adequate time and facilities to prepare a defence, access to legal counsel and timely disclosure of evidence by the prosecution.
His legal team echoed the concerns, arguing that restrictions on consultations with their client while in custody, delays in the disclosure of prosecution evidence and conditions of detention had affected his preparedness for trial.
The defence also informed the court that several constitutional and human rights applications related to the case remain pending and should be determined before the trial proceeds.
Besigye and Lutale are jointly charged with Capt. Denis Oola in Criminal Session Case No. 335 of 2025, in which the trio face charges of treason and misprision of treason.
The accused have consistently denied the charges, while the defence continues to challenge both the legal and procedural basis of the prosecution, arguing that key preliminary issues remain unresolved.
Justice Baguma is expected to issue further directions on the pending applications as the High Court continues to manage the case ahead of the substantive hearing.
Under Uganda’s Constitution, every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law.
