Proceedings in the treason trial involving veteran opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye, businessman Hajj Obeid Lutale, and Capt. Denis Olaa Ooya faced another setback on Thursday after two of the accused failed to appear in court as the prosecution prepared to present its first witnesses.
Dr. Besigye and Lutale were absent when the matter came up for hearing, while their co-accused, Capt. Olaa, was present in the dock.
The absence of the two accused disrupted the scheduled proceedings, delaying the commencement of witness testimony in one of Uganda’s most closely watched criminal cases.
Earlier in the day, family members, friends, supporters, and colleagues of the accused expressed frustration over delays in the court process.
Some broke into song inside the courtroom as they waited for proceedings to begin, reflecting growing concern over repeated interruptions and postponements in the case.
The prosecution had been expected to call its first batch of witnesses as the trial entered a critical stage following months of preliminary legal arguments and procedural hearings.
The trio face treason-related charges, which they have consistently denied. The case has attracted significant public interest due to Dr. Besigye’s long-standing role in Uganda’s opposition politics and his multiple presidential bids against President Yoweri Museveni.
In a separate but related legal development, Justice Emmanuel Baguma scheduled June 30, 2026, for the hearing of a civil case filed by Dr. Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutale against Muhoozi Kainerugaba and other respondents.
The suit stems from allegations arising from the arrest and detention of the two men, with the applicants seeking legal remedies from the court. Details of the matter are expected to be addressed when the case comes up for hearing later this month.
Thursday’s developments mean that attention will remain firmly fixed on both the criminal proceedings and the upcoming June 30 hearing, as supporters, legal observers, and political analysts continue to follow the cases closely.
Court officials are expected to provide further guidance on the next steps in the treason trial following the latest delay.
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