Eronda
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
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Supporters of jailed opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye on Thursday mid morning, grew increasingly restless after the anticipated commencement of his substantive treason trial at the High Court in Kampala failed to start on time as earlier scheduled.
The hearing had been expected to begin at 11am, but by midday, court had not convened, sparking anxiety among the large crowd of Besigye supporters who had thronged the courtroom.
Twamuganye Pilato," the supporters repeatedly sang, loosely translated as "We have rejected Pilate," with some supporters saying the slogan was directed at the trial process and presiding judge Emmanuel Baguma.
The fully packed courtroom remained lively as the supporters sang and chanted while officers from the Counter-Terrorism Police unit, deployed to maintain law and order, looked on.
At one point, Ms Turinawe shouted, "Hallo, time, time," drawing cheers and applause from fellow supporters.
By press time, Dr Besigye and his co-accused, Hajj Obeid Lutale and Capt Denis Oola, had not yet been produced in court by prison authorities for the start of the trial.
Earlier, court officials restricted access to the courtroom because of the overwhelming number of people seeking to attend the highly anticipated proceedings.
The courtroom quickly filled to capacity, leaving dozens of supporters, and other court users stranded outside.
The trial, which has attracted significant public and political interest, is expected to proceed once the accused persons are produced before court and the presiding judge takes the bench.
Daily Monitor
