KAMPALA — The High Court in Kampala has concluded preliminary proceedings in the treason case against opposition politician Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, paving the way for the substantive hearing to begin later this week.
During proceedings on Monday, Justice Emmanuel Baguma appointed three assessors to participate in the trial despite objections from the defence team, which argued that key issues affecting the accused persons’ right to a fair hearing remained unresolved.
The assessors appointed by the court are John Musana, Sarah Babirye, and Richard Okello.
Lawyers representing Dr Besigye, Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, and UPDF officer Denis Oola opposed the move, contending that they had not been afforded sufficient time and access to adequately prepare for trial. The defence told court that they had encountered difficulties meeting their clients at Luzira Prison and had not received all prosecution materials required to build their case.
The lawyers further argued that several pending applications, including those relating to bail, confidential access to legal counsel, and alleged violations of the accused persons’ rights, should be determined before the trial proceeds.
Lead defence counsel Erias Lukwago maintained that appointing assessors before resolving those concerns would prejudice the accused and undermine public confidence in the judicial process.
The prosecution, however, opposed any further delay, insisting that investigations had been completed and that the matter was ready for hearing. State attorneys argued that there were no agreed issues between the parties that would justify extending the preliminary stage of the proceedings.
In his ruling, Justice Baguma held that the law does not require parties to reach consensus on all issues before a criminal trial can commence. He noted that where parties fail to agree on matters to be included in a memorandum, the court is empowered to proceed with the hearing.
The judge also informed court that prison authorities had assured the judiciary that defence lawyers would be granted adequate access to their clients to facilitate trial preparation.
Following the ruling, Dr Besigye criticised the proceedings, alleging political interference by state institutions and questioning whether the trial would be conducted fairly and independently.
His co-accused, Denis Oola, similarly expressed concern over the court’s decision to proceed, arguing that the defence had only recently been granted meaningful access to the accused persons.
Dr Besigye, Kamulegeya, and Oola face treason charges arising from allegations that they participated in meetings held in Uganda and abroad between 2023 and 2024 that were allegedly aimed at overthrowing the government. All three accused deny the charges.
The court directed the prosecution to present its first witness when the trial resumes on June 11, 2026, marking the start of what is expected to be one of Uganda’s most closely watched criminal proceedings.
