Da Dona
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
- 871
- 541
The High Court has dismissed an application by opposition leader Kizza Besigye and his co-accused seeking a referral of their case to the Constitutional Court, clearing the way for the treason trial to proceed as scheduled.
According to Daily Monitor,Justice Emmanuel Baguma ruled that the issues raised by the defence did not constitute substantial constitutional questions requiring interpretation by the Constitutional Court. He maintained that the case should continue before the High Court and directed parties to return for a preliminary hearing on June 8, with the prosecution expected to begin presenting its case on June 11.
The defence had argued that the seven days between the prosecution's disclosure of evidence and the preliminary hearing were insufficient to prepare for a complex treason case. They also questioned whether requiring lawyers to meet detained clients during weekends and public holidays was consistent with the constitutional right to a fair hearing.
However, Justice Baguma found that one week was adequate for preparation, noting that the defence had already received several batches of evidence earlier in the year. He further observed that prison authorities had been directed to facilitate meetings between the accused persons and their lawyers, including on weekends and public holidays where necessary.
The judge also rejected claims that setting trial dates before concluding preliminary proceedings violated constitutional rights, warning against turning routine case-management decisions into constitutional disputes.
The treason case involves Dr. Besigye, his political aide Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, and UPDF officer Denis Oola. Prosecutors allege that they participated in meetings held in Uganda and abroad between 2023 and 2024 as part of a plot to overthrow the government. The prosecution is expected to call several witnesses, including former Chief of Military Intelligence James Birungi.
The ruling marks a significant victory for the prosecution, as it removes a potential legal hurdle that could have delayed the commencement of the highly anticipated treason trial.
📸: Observer UG
According to Daily Monitor,Justice Emmanuel Baguma ruled that the issues raised by the defence did not constitute substantial constitutional questions requiring interpretation by the Constitutional Court. He maintained that the case should continue before the High Court and directed parties to return for a preliminary hearing on June 8, with the prosecution expected to begin presenting its case on June 11.
The defence had argued that the seven days between the prosecution's disclosure of evidence and the preliminary hearing were insufficient to prepare for a complex treason case. They also questioned whether requiring lawyers to meet detained clients during weekends and public holidays was consistent with the constitutional right to a fair hearing.
However, Justice Baguma found that one week was adequate for preparation, noting that the defence had already received several batches of evidence earlier in the year. He further observed that prison authorities had been directed to facilitate meetings between the accused persons and their lawyers, including on weekends and public holidays where necessary.
The judge also rejected claims that setting trial dates before concluding preliminary proceedings violated constitutional rights, warning against turning routine case-management decisions into constitutional disputes.
The treason case involves Dr. Besigye, his political aide Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, and UPDF officer Denis Oola. Prosecutors allege that they participated in meetings held in Uganda and abroad between 2023 and 2024 as part of a plot to overthrow the government. The prosecution is expected to call several witnesses, including former Chief of Military Intelligence James Birungi.
The ruling marks a significant victory for the prosecution, as it removes a potential legal hurdle that could have delayed the commencement of the highly anticipated treason trial.
