KAMPALA
Opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye on Tuesday made a personal submission before the High Court Criminal Division in Kampala, raising objections to the trial procedure in his ongoing treason case.
Besigye appeared before Justice Emmanuel Baguma alongside his co-accused, Hajji Obeid Lutale, during a session that largely focused on preliminary applications and procedural issues affecting the conduct of the trial.
During the hearing, Besigye personally addressed the court, urging that all outstanding procedural matters be resolved before the case proceeds to substantive hearing. He argued that the issues were fundamental to his ability to adequately prepare for and participate in his defence.
Justice Baguma directed that the concerns be presented through formal written applications or addressed within the existing motions already before the court. The judge maintained that such oral requests could not be determined immediately.
Besigye's submissions centred on the 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 the prosecution's evidence.
His legal team supported the submissions, arguing that restricted consultations while in custody, delays in the disclosure of evidence, and detention conditions had affected their client's preparedness for trial. The defence also referred to pending constitutional and human rights applications that they said should be determined before the trial proceeds.
The case arises from treason and misprision of treason charges in Criminal Session Case No. 335 of 2025, in which Dr. Besigye, Lutale, and Capt. Denis Oola are accused of offences related to allegedly undermining state authority.
The defence continues to challenge both the legal and procedural basis of the prosecution, maintaining that key preliminary issues must first be resolved before the substantive hearing can commence.
The High Court is expected to issue further directions on the pending applications as the case progresses.
