Written By | Luzinda Peter
Besigye and his co-accused Lutale face charges of treason and misprision of treason, which stem from allegations that they plotted to overthrow the government
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KAMPALA
State prosecutors in the treason case against veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye have asked the High Court to conceal the identities of six key witnesses expected to testify against him and his aide, Obeid Lutale.
In an application filed before the High Court of Uganda, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) requested the court to allow the witnesses to testify under pseudonyms A, B, C, D, E and F, with their identities withheld from the public record for security reasons.
“Take notice that this Honourable Court shall be moved on March 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. or soon thereafter as counsel for the applicant shall move court for the following witness protection and delayed disclosure orders: the concealment of the identities and non-disclosure of any material likely to reveal the identities of six prosecution witnesses prior to their testimonies in court,” part of the application reads.
The prosecution says the measure is intended to protect the witnesses and their families from possible threats following their testimony.
In an affidavit supporting the application, Chief State Attorney Joseph Kyomuhendo stated that Besigye and Lutale are jointly indicted on charges of treason and misprision of treason.
Kyomuhendo noted that while the prosecution is legally required to disclose evidence to the accused before the hearing begins, the witnesses covered by the application are factual witnesses whose testimony is crucial and directly implicates the accused persons.
“Prosecution is required to disclose its evidence to the accused persons before the hearing commences, and all the witnesses subject to this application are factual witnesses whose evidence is crucial and directly implicates the accused persons,” the affidavit states.
Without detailing the specific nature of the alleged threats, Kyomuhendo reiterated the state’s position that revealing the witnesses’ identities at this stage could endanger their lives and those of their families.
“One of the prosecution witnesses has already been threatened by the respondents’ accomplices. If the identities of these witnesses are disclosed now, there is a high likelihood of interference, intimidation and harm towards them or their loved ones,” he said.
Besigye and Lutale face charges of treason and misprision of treason, which stem from allegations that they plotted to overthrow the government.
According to the prosecution, between 2003 and November 2024, the accused and others still at large allegedly held meetings in several cities, including Geneva in Switzerland, Athens in Greece, Nairobi in Kenya, and Kampala in Uganda to allegedly plan the overthrow of the Ugandan government by force of arms.
The High Court is expected to consider the prosecution’s request during the scheduled hearing.
Torch Media Africa
