The High Court in Kampala has adjourned the treason trial of Dr. Kizza Besigye and his two co-accused after the Uganda Prison Service failed to produce them in court, citing Besigye’s ill health.
Besigye is jointly charged with his aide, Obeid Lutale, and Captain Denis Oola.
The case, scheduled before the High Court Criminal Division under Judge Emmanuel Baguma, was expected to proceed with the accused facing charges of plotting to overthrow the government.
However, at the start of proceedings, it emerged that Besigye had not been brought to court, with prison authorities requesting that he appear via Zoom due to medical concerns.
The prosecution, led by Chief State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka and Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Thomas Jatiko, initially sought to continue the hearing virtually despite the absence of the accused.
The defense team, led by Lawyers Erias Lukwago, Frederick Mpanga, Apollo Katumba, Bayan Turinawe, and Major Simon Busagwa Nsubuga, strongly opposed the request.
Lukwago argues that the Deputy Registrar’s letter did not sufficiently explain why Besigye, or the co-accused, could not appear physically.
In his ruling, Judge Baguma acknowledged Besigye’s health concerns and ruled that the trial could not proceed in the absence of any of the accused.
He noted that a joint trial requires all defendants to be physically present. The matter has been adjourned to the 24th of next month with instructions for the parties to agree on a date when Besigye can be produced.
By URN
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