The High Court in Kampala has received four-time presidential aspirant Dr. Kizza Besigye, together with his co-accused Hajj Obeid Lutale and Capt. Denis Oola Ooya, as their treason case resumed amid renewed delays in proceedings.
The trio was finally brought to court on Monday, though the session did not start as scheduled at 11am, after prison authorities delayed their production from custody.
The delay, coupled with what the court was told was poor communication from correctional services, pushed the proceedings further behind schedule.
Court officials and lawyers were left waiting for hours before the accused were presented in the dock, slowing down a case that has already faced repeated adjournments over procedural and logistical challenges.
According to earlier court directions, the matter had been set to move into key pre-trial stages, with strict timelines requiring that preliminary issues be concluded before mid-June.
However, today’s delay added to growing concerns from the defence team about whether all court-ordered arrangements are being fully implemented ahead of the trial.
In recent hearings, defence lawyers have repeatedly raised concerns over access to their clients in prison and timely disclosure of evidence, arguing that these challenges could affect their ability to prepare a proper defence.
The prosecution, however, has maintained that evidence has been shared and that the case should proceed within the court-set timelines.
Justice Emmanuel Baguma, who is presiding over the case, has in previous sessions directed both sides to comply with strict deadlines, including completing all preliminary matters by June 8 and beginning witness testimony shortly after.
Besigye, a long-time opposition figure and former presidential contender, is jointly charged with Lutale and Oola over allegations related to treason. All three have consistently denied the charges.
The High Court has permitted opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused to consult their lawyers inside the courtroom before proceedings begin. This follows a previous order by Justice Emmanuel Baguma directing Luzira Prison to provide meeting space. However, defense… https://t.co/KAwoHUHlLmpic.twitter.com/9Wq8bjeSvc
