Besigye’s Treason Case Pushed to Next Month

Kampala– The High Court of Uganda Criminal Division in Kampala has adjourned the treason case against opposition figure Kizza Besigye and two co-accused to next month, directing the prosecution to complete disclosure of evidence before the matter proceeds further.

During proceedings, state prosecution led by Thomas Jatiko, the Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, sought one month to disclose the evidence and witnesses the State intends to rely on during the trial of the main case.

However, presiding judge Emmanuel Baguma ordered the prosecution to disclose all relevant documents to the defence by March 3. The case is scheduled to return to court on March 12 for further scheduling.

Dr. Besigye, a retired colonel and four-time presidential candidate, appeared composed and stronger in the dock. He is jointly charged with his aide, Hajji Obeid Lutale, and Uganda People’s Defence Forces officer Capt. Denis Oola Oyar. The trio has been remanded to Luzira Prison amid tight security.

According to the prosecution, Dr. Besigye, 67, Lutale, 65, Captain Oola, 48, and others still at large allegedly contrived a plot between 2023 and November 2024 to overturn the Government of Uganda by force of arms.

The State contends that the accused expressed or declared the alleged plot through utterances and overt acts in various locations, including Geneva in Switzerland, Athens in Greece, Nairobi in Kenya, and Kampala in Uganda.

The case continues to draw significant public attention, given Dr. Besigye’s long-standing role in Uganda’s opposition politics. Further developments are expected when the matter returns to court in March.