Lawyers demand live streaming of Besigye treason trial

What the report says

A group of 18 Ugandan lawyers has asked the Judiciary to allow live streaming of the treason trial of Dr Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Hajji Obeid Lutale and Capt Denis Oola. In a statement reported by The Observer, the lawyers said new court guidelines limiting access to the proceedings go against the constitutional idea of open justice and could undermine public confidence in the courts.

The lawyers were responding to revised Judiciary rules issued on July 29, 2026, which restrict photography and videography in the courtroom, bar unauthorized live coverage, and require media houses to seek permission before broadcasting. They also said the measures limit the use of phones and tablets during proceedings. The group argued that the accused have a right to a public hearing and that decisions on broadcasting should not be left to an administrative officer.

They also pointed to what they described as a more open arrangement in the murder trial of Okello Onyum, where public screens and live broadcasting were reportedly allowed. In their view, the different treatment raises questions about consistency and fairness. The lawyers urged the Judiciary to permit live streaming through its own platforms and accredited media, with safeguards such as delays or witness blurring where needed.

The dispute matters because it touches on access to high-profile criminal proceedings, the balance between fair trial rights and transparency, and public trust in Uganda’s justice system. The reported statement was signed by several senior and practicing lawyers, including Bruce Kyerere SC and Phillip Karugaba.