Written By | Peter Luzinda
Dr Kizza Besigye in the dock
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KAMPALA
The High Court in Kampala has concluded the preliminary hearing in the treason case involving veteran opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, paving the way for the full trial to begin later this week. The proceedings, presided over by Justice Emmanuel Baguma, ended on Monday with the appointment of three assessors despite strong objections from the defence team, which argued that several unresolved issues could undermine the accused persons' right to a fair hearing.
The court appointed John Musana, Sarah Babirye, and Richard Okello as assessors who will participate in the trial proceedings and advise the court on matters arising from the case.
During the hearing, lawyers representing Dr Besigye and his co-accused protested the decision, arguing that key concerns raised before the court had not yet been addressed. The defence team, led by prominent city lawyers Elias Lukwago and Frederick Mpanga, said they had faced difficulties accessing their clients at Luzira Prison and had not been furnished with all the prosecution evidence in sufficient time to adequately prepare for trial.
The lawyers also complained about the absence of daily court transcripts, inadequate private consultation facilities at the prison, and unresolved applications concerning bail and alleged violations of the accused persons' rights.
However, the prosecution maintained that the trial was ready to proceed and insisted that there were no agreed facts between the parties requiring further deliberation before the commencement of the hearing.
In his ruling, Justice Baguma said the court could not compel the prosecution and defence to agree on issues for inclusion in a memorandum at the end of the preliminary process. He noted that the absence of agreement between the parties could not halt the trial from progressing.
The judge further revealed that prison authorities had already communicated to the court, confirming that defence lawyers would be granted access to their clients. He also dismissed concerns regarding public access to the proceedings, saying the court remained open despite limited space in the courtroom.
Shortly after the ruling, Dr Besigye criticised the proceedings from the dock, accusing the judiciary of operating under political pressure and questioning whether the accused would receive a fair trial.
His co-accused, UPDF officer Denis Oola, also raised concerns over the timing of the assessors' appointment, arguing that defence lawyers had only recently been granted proper access to the accused persons.
Dr Besigye, Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, and Denis Oola are facing treason charges linked to allegations that they held meetings both in Uganda and abroad between 2023 and 2024 with the intention of overthrowing the government. The trio has denied all the charges. The court directed the prosecution to present at least one witness when the trial resumes on June 11, 2026.
Torch Media Africa
