Judiciary Tightens Security Ahead of Besigye Treason Trial at High Court

What the report says

Nile Post reports that Uganda’s Judiciary has issued tighter security, courtroom access and media rules ahead of the High Court treason trial of opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye, Hajji Obeid Lutale and UPDF officer Capt Denis Oola. The measures were announced in a July 29, 2026 release from the Criminal Division of the High Court, signed by Judiciary communications officials Ereemye James JM and Sheila Wamboga.

According to the report, access to the courtroom will be limited to court personnel involved in the case, the accused, prosecution and defence teams, accredited journalists and members of the public where seating allows. Media houses must seek accreditation through the Judiciary’s Public Relations Office, and the number of reporters allowed inside may be capped. Electronic equipment will be screened, live broadcast requests will be handled case by case, and phones and tablets will not be permitted in court.

The case stems from the arrest of Besigye and Lutale after a November 2024 trip to Nairobi, with earlier proceedings before the General Court Martial later affected by a Supreme Court ruling that military courts cannot try civilians. Prosecutors have since charged Besigye, Lutale and Oola with treason and misprision of treason, alleging a conspiracy with others between 2023 and November 2024 in several cities, including Kampala, Nairobi, Athens and Geneva.

Nile Post says the new rules follow recent procedural disputes, including a failed bid by Besigye and Lutale to stop the case over alleged rights violations. The guidelines signal the Judiciary’s effort to manage a politically sensitive trial under controlled conditions as it moves toward substantive hearing.