Retired Colonel Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused have appeared before the High Court in Kampala for a preliminary hearing ahead of their treason trial.
Lawyers representing Dr. Besigye, led by Erias Lukwago, have asked the court to direct the Uganda Prisons Service to provide adequate facilities to enable the defense team to prepare for the case before the trial begins.
Among the requests is a private room, free from the presence of prison officers, where Dr. Besigye can meet with his legal team to review and analyze the evidence disclosed by the prosecution.
The defense team noted that part of the evidence has been provided on flash drives and has asked the court to order prison authorities to provide computers, television screens and a reliable power supply to facilitate examination of the material.
The lawyers have also requested additional time to review the evidence, arguing that the volume of material disclosed by the prosecution is extensive and will require approximately one month to analyze adequately.
The prosecution is expected to call several witnesses, including the Director General of the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), Major General Richard Otto, former CMI chief Major General James Birungi, Presidential Adviser on Security Affairs Major General Abel Kandiho, a foreign national identified as Andrew Wilson, also known as Orlando, and businessman Moses Barasa.
Dr. Besigye, his aide Hajji Obeid Lutale, and UPDF officer Captain Denis Oola Oyar are charged with treason allegedly committed in Uganda, Kenya, Switzerland and Greece between 2023 and November 2024.
The High Court has scheduled the trial to commence on June 11, 2026. During the proceedings, assessors are expected to be sworn in before the prosecution begins presenting its witnesses.
By Edith Namwanje
8th June 2026
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