Da Dona
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- Dec 16, 2025
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The High Court in Kampala has directed Muhoozi Kainerugaba to file his defence within one week in a case filed by opposition politician Kizza Besigye, who accuses him of making public death threats and prejudicial statements that could undermine his right to a fair trial.
Justice Emmanuel Baguma ordered Gen Muhoozi, the Attorney General, and UPDF officers Col Peter Ahibisibwe and Lt Col Ephraim Byaruhanga to respond to the application by June 18, 2026. The court also directed Besigye's legal team to file any rejoinder by June 25, before a hearing scheduled for June 30.
Besigye and his co-applicant, Hajj Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, argue that several statements allegedly posted by Gen Muhoozi on X amounted to threats of death, violence and torture, while also portraying Besigye as guilty before the conclusion of court proceedings. According to the application, such statements threaten constitutional rights and the principle of a fair and impartial trial.
Among the posts cited in court documents are alleged statements suggesting Besigye would be hanged on Heroes' Day and another describing him as a "dead man walking." Besigye's lawyers contend that such remarks could influence ongoing judicial proceedings and create pressure on the courts.
The application also revisits Besigye's November 2024 arrest in Nairobi, where he claims he and Lutale were abducted and transferred to Uganda without formal extradition procedures. They further allege they were detained at Makindye Military Barracks and denied access to lawyers, family members and medical personnel.
Besigye is seeking court declarations that the alleged threats violated his constitutional rights and that the circumstances surrounding his arrest and prosecution have compromised the fairness of the treason case against him. The respondents had not yet filed their responses at the time of the court session.
Monitor UG
Justice Emmanuel Baguma ordered Gen Muhoozi, the Attorney General, and UPDF officers Col Peter Ahibisibwe and Lt Col Ephraim Byaruhanga to respond to the application by June 18, 2026. The court also directed Besigye's legal team to file any rejoinder by June 25, before a hearing scheduled for June 30.
Besigye and his co-applicant, Hajj Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, argue that several statements allegedly posted by Gen Muhoozi on X amounted to threats of death, violence and torture, while also portraying Besigye as guilty before the conclusion of court proceedings. According to the application, such statements threaten constitutional rights and the principle of a fair and impartial trial.
Among the posts cited in court documents are alleged statements suggesting Besigye would be hanged on Heroes' Day and another describing him as a "dead man walking." Besigye's lawyers contend that such remarks could influence ongoing judicial proceedings and create pressure on the courts.
The application also revisits Besigye's November 2024 arrest in Nairobi, where he claims he and Lutale were abducted and transferred to Uganda without formal extradition procedures. They further allege they were detained at Makindye Military Barracks and denied access to lawyers, family members and medical personnel.
Besigye is seeking court declarations that the alleged threats violated his constitutional rights and that the circumstances surrounding his arrest and prosecution have compromised the fairness of the treason case against him. The respondents had not yet filed their responses at the time of the court session.
Monitor UG
