Treason trial stalls as Besigye, Lutale boycott court
The defence team, led by Eron Kiiza, informed the court that the trial could not proceed in the absence of the accused persons.
Lawyers Martha Karua and Erias Lukwago after court session on Thursday, June 11. (Photos by Richard Sanya)
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The trial of four-time presidential candidate Kizza Besigye and his aide, Obeid Lutale, failed to commence at the Criminal Division of the High Court in Kampala on Thursday (June 11) after the two accused persons boycotted the proceedings.
Besigye and Lutale are jointly charged with treason and misprision of treason alongside Capt. Denish Oyaa Oola of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), who is attached to the Armoured Brigade. The offences carry a maximum sentence of death upon conviction.
Prison authorities produced only Oola before court for the scheduled hearing.
Prison authorities produced only Oola before court for the scheduled hearing.
The defence team, led by Eron Kiiza, informed the court that the trial could not proceed in the absence of the accused persons.
Justice Baguma agreed with the defence and adjourned the case to June 30, 2026, for hearing.
The prosecution had presented two witnesses who were expected to testify in the matter.
Other members of the defence team include Martha Karua, Erias Lukwago, Ernest Kalibbala, Fred Mpanga, Bayern Turinawe, Farouk Kamulegeya, Abubakkar Ssekanjako, Kato Tumusiime and Simon Nsubuga.
The prosecution team comprises Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Thomas Jatiko and Chief State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka.
The prosecution alleges that Besigye, Lutale, Oola and others still at large conspired between 2023 and 2024, in various countries including Switzerland, Greece, Kenya and Uganda, to overthrow the Government of Uganda through the use of armed force.
Capt. Denish Oyaa Oola of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) during court session today.
According to the charge sheet, the accused allegedly knew that another person intended to commit treason but failed to provide information to Ugandan authorities to prevent its commission, an offence that amounts to misprision of treason.