Security remained tight at the High Court in Kampala as proceedings commenced in the treason case involving retired Col. Dr. Kiiza Besigye, his aide Hajj Obeid Lutale, and Capt. Denis Oya Oola.
The hearing began at 2:30 p.m. before Justice Emmanuel Baguma.
At the start of the proceedings, the three accused appeared in court without their defense lawyers, raising concerns about their legal representation.
Addressing the court, Dr. Besigye said they were unrepresented because their legal team had not appeared and that an earlier application seeking remedies regarding their legal representation had not yet been addressed.
Dr. Besigye also referred to President Yoweri Museveni’s national address of July 4, saying remarks made on issues relating to their case had raised concerns.
He further told the court that the accused had not been given sufficient time and facilities to adequately review the prosecution’s evidence in preparation for trial.
Capt. Denis Oya Oola informed the court that his legal team was absent because they had expected Justice Baguma to deliver a ruling on July 8, which was not issued.
He added that he was unaware that the hearing would commence today.
Dr. Besigye also raised concerns about a letter relating to the ruling and the commencement of the trial.
Assistant Superintendent of Prisons Emmanuel Hiire confirmed to the court that prison authorities had received the correspondence.
The prosecution, led by Richard Birivumbuka, argued that Dr. Besigye and Hajj Lutale had previously been represented by more than 25 advocates whose names had been recorded since the case was first filed before the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court.
The prosecution asked the court to appoint another legal team if necessary to enable the proceedings to continue.
However, Dr. Besigye urged the court to grant the accused adequate time and facilities to prepare their defense before the prosecution begins calling its witnesses.
The hearing continued before Justice Emmanuel Baguma.
By Edith Namwanje
13th July 2026
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