KAMPALA — Uganda’s Judiciary has introduced stringent security and media access guidelines for the high-profile treason trial of opposition figure Col. Dr Kizza Besigye, saying the measures are intended to ensure orderly proceedings while safeguarding the integrity of the judicial process.
The new directives, issued on Tuesday by the Judiciary’s Public Relations Unit, will govern proceedings at the Criminal Division of the High Court, where Besigye is jointly charged alongside Hajji Obeid Lutale and UPDF Capt. Denis Oola.
The trio face treason charges stemming from allegations that they participated in meetings outside Uganda, sought arms and military support, and recruited individuals as part of an alleged plot to overthrow President Yoweri Museveni’s government.
According to the Judiciary, access to the courtroom will be restricted to judicial officers, essential court staff, the accused persons, prosecutors, defence lawyers, accredited journalists and members of the public, subject to the courtroom’s seating capacity.
Under the new rules, journalists intending to cover the proceedings must obtain prior accreditation through the Judiciary’s Public Relations Office. The number of reporters permitted into the courtroom may also be limited depending on available space.
The Judiciary further directed that all electronic equipment, including cameras, video recorders, audio recorders and laptops, must undergo security screening before entry into the court premises.
Mobile phones, tablets and other communication devices will not be permitted inside the courtroom during proceedings.
Photography and videography inside the courtroom have also been restricted. Journalists will require prior approval to take photographs or record video, while capturing images of the presiding judge or witnesses is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the court. Applications for live broadcasting will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
In a statement signed by Public Relations Officer Ereemye James JM and Principal Communications Officer Sheila Wamboga, the Judiciary said the measures are intended to balance courtroom security with public access.
“These measures are intended to solely ensure security, orderly proceedings and continued public access to the hearing while preserving the integrity of the judicial process and the constitutional principle of open justice,” the statement said.
The guidelines were introduced amid heightened public interest in the case, with reports indicating that heavy security had been deployed around the High Court premises and that some journalists, activists and members of the public were unable to gain access to the courtroom.
The restrictions have drawn criticism from sections of the opposition and members of the legal fraternity, who argue that limiting media access and prohibiting communication devices could undermine the constitutional principle of open justice and reduce public scrutiny of the proceedings.
Supporters of the measures, however, argue that tighter controls are necessary to maintain courtroom decorum, protect witnesses and ensure the trial proceeds without disruption.
The treason case is among the most closely watched criminal proceedings in Uganda in recent years and is expected to attract sustained domestic and international attention as hearings continue.
