The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has welcomed the High Court’s decision to fix June 30 as the hearing date for Dr. Kizza Besigye’s human rights enforcement application, describing it as an important step toward justice and constitutional accountability.
In a statement issued on Thursday, ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde said the decision followed sustained efforts by the defence team and the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), who had insisted that the human rights application be heard before the commencement of the treason trial.
Dr. Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale face capital treason charges, which carry the death penalty, arising from alleged activities between 2023 and 2024. The case was transferred from a military court following a Supreme Court ruling that barred the trial of civilians in military tribunals.
The human rights application, filed under the Human Rights (Enforcement) Act, raises allegations including the alleged abduction of Dr. Besigye from Kenya in November 2024, incommunicado detention, torture, denial of access to lawyers and family members, and concerns over the fairness of the ongoing proceedings.
The application lists several respondents, including Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
The High Court, presided over by Justice Emmanuel Baguma, issued production warrants for Dr. Besigye and his co-accused, Hajji Lutale, after they declined to participate in the scheduled commencement of the treason trial on Thursday.
The ULS commended the defence legal team, led by Senior Counsel Martha Karua and Former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, for what it described as a firm and determined defence of constitutional rights despite reported challenges, including limited access to clients, delayed disclosure of evidence, and concerns over procedural fairness.
By Our Reporter
12th June 2026 End