Besigye lawyers seek special prison access ahead of treason trial

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Lawyers representing jailed four-time presidential candidate Dr Kizza Besigye and his co-accused have written to the High Court seeking extensive facilities and unrestricted access to Luzira Prison to enable them to prepare their defence ahead of the commencement of their treason trial on June 11, 2026.

In a letter dated June 5, 2026, addressed to the deputy registrar of the High Court Criminal Division, the defence team said arrangements earlier directed by trial judge Justice Emmanuel Baguma have not yet been implemented.

The letter, signed by lawyers from Lukwago & Co. Advocates, states that Justice Baguma had directed the court registry to write to Luzira Prison to allow defence lawyers access to their clients on weekends and public holidays and to provide facilities necessary for effective consultations.

However, the lawyers contend that they have not received confirmation that the communication was made by the registry.

The defence team further revealed that one of their lawyers, Bayern Turinawe, was allegedly denied entry into Luzira Prison with a laptop and flash drives when he attempted to visit the accused persons on Thursday.

The lawyers are now seeking an interview room free of State officers and large enough to accommodate between 15 and 20 lawyers, arguing that such a setting is necessary to preserve the advocate-client privilege and confidentiality.

Among the facilities requested are unrestricted access to the prison from 8:00am to 6:00pm, including weekends and public holidays, as well as permission to bring laptops, mobile phones, flash drives, headphones, mini speakers, a projector and a whiteboard into consultation rooms.

They have also asked for access to a stable and secure internet connection to facilitate the review of evidence and preparation of the defence case.

In addition, the defence team wants an information technology expert and a forensic examiner of the accused persons' choice to be allowed to participate in consultations held within the prison.

Besigye, his aide Hajj Obeid Lutale and UPDF officer Denis Oola are facing treason charges arising from allegations that they participated in meetings held in Uganda and abroad between 2023 and 2024 aimed at overthrowing the Government.

According to the prosecution, the alleged activities were part of a broader scheme to remove the Government through unlawful means.

The accused persons deny the charges.