Uganda opposition figure Besigye in court over treason charges

Ugandan veteran opposition figure Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Hajj Obed Lutale, are expected to return to court today to face treason charges, a month after the case was adjourned.

The matter was last adjourned on January 21 after the Uganda Prisons Service failed to produce the accused persons in court.

The adjournment followed days of conflicting reports regarding Besigye’s health, after prison authorities dismissed claims that he was unwell.

At the time, the presiding judge informed the court that he had received a letter from the Deputy Registrar of the High Court Criminal Division requesting that Besigye be presented via Zoom. The proposal was rejected by defence lawyers, who insisted on a physical appearance.

Since then, reports of Besigye’s deteriorating health have intensified. The Leader of Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, who recently visited political detainees, stated that he was not allowed to see Besigye and claimed the former presidential candidate had reportedly lost his voice.

Days earlier, Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi said Besigye was suffering from diarrhoea but did not indicate that his condition was life-threatening.

Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, has continued to express concern about her husband’s well-being. On Monday, she organised prayers at Rubaga Cathedral for his recovery, but the prayers were postponed amid claims that the move followed directives from higher authorities. There has been no official confirmation of the reason for the postponement.

With persistent reports of ill health, it remains unclear whether Besigye will appear in court physically or through virtual means.

Court proceedings were expected to begin at 9 am. However, by late morning, only defence lawyers and Besigye’s supporters were present in the courtroom. The Director of Public Prosecutions and the presiding judge had not yet taken their seats.

The case continues to draw significant public and political attention, with supporters closely monitoring developments both inside and outside the courtroom.

SOURCE: Nilepost