530 days in prison: Court orders start of Besigye, Lutale treason trial
The High court has ordered that the treason trial of former presidential candidate Dr Kizza Besigye and his co-accused begin next week, marking a significant step in a case that has drawn public and legal attention. Presiding judge Emmanuel Baguma directed that all pre-trial processes, including the appointment and swearing-in of assessors, be completed by […] The post 530 days in prison: Court orders start of Besigye, Lutale treason trial appeared first on Daily Star.
Black News 
The High court has ordered that the treason trial of former presidential candidate Dr Kizza Besigye and his co-accused begin next week, marking a significant step in a case that has drawn public and legal attention.
Presiding judge Emmanuel Baguma directed that all pre-trial processes, including the appointment and swearing-in of assessors, be completed by June 8 to pave the way for the hearing. Dr Besigye is jointly charged with Obedi Lutale and Capt Denis Oola.
However, defence lawyers have raised concerns about the readiness of the case, accusing the prosecution of failing to fully disclose evidence in time, despite withdrawing an earlier application to conceal the identities of witnesses.
The defence team, led by former Kampala lord mayor Erias Lukwago and comprising Frederick Mpanga, Ernest Kalibala and Bayern Turinawe, argued that the time allocated for preparation is insufficient.
They requested at least one month to review the evidence and adequately prepare for trial. Lawyers further told court that their preparations are being hampered by restricted access to their clients, who are currently held at Luzira prison.
According to the defence, access to essential equipment such as laptops and devices capable of playing audio and video recordings is limited. They also noted that meetings with their clients are constrained, particularly during weekends and public holidays.
Meanwhile, the prosecution has lined up a number of high-profile witnesses, including current and former military officials. These include Maj Gen Richard Otto, the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, as well as his predecessors Maj Gen James Birungi and Maj Gen Abel Kandiho.
According to the prosecution, Dr Besigye and his co-accused were arrested in Nairobi in 2024 after attending a book launch hosted by Kenyan politician Martha Karua.
The State alleges that the trio subsequently travelled to Switzerland, Greece and Kenya, where they attended both physical and virtual meetings aimed at plotting to overthrow the Ugandan government, in collaboration with operatives based in Geneva, Athens, Nairobi and Kampala.
Prosecutors further contend that the accused failed to report knowledge of the alleged treasonous activities between 2023 and November 2024, contrary to Ugandan law.
The post 530 days in prison: Court orders start of Besigye, Lutale treason trial appeared first on Daily Star.
