Lawyers urge DPP to suspend Besigye treason trial

What the report says

A group of 18 Ugandan lawyers has asked the Director of Public Prosecutions to suspend the treason trial of opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and co-accused Hajj Obeid Lutale, saying the case moved forward before key fair-trial concerns were resolved. In a July 31 letter reported by The Independent Uganda, the lawyers said prosecutors should not have urged the High Court to start taking evidence while questions remained about Besigye’s chosen legal representation, access to counsel and his medical condition.

The request follows July 29 proceedings before High Court Judge Emmanuel Baguma in Kampala, where Besigye objected to the start of the trial. According to the report, he said the lawyers assigned on state brief had not received instructions from him or Lutale, and he raised concerns about pending applications involving the defence team. The court nonetheless allowed the prosecution to begin its case. The article says Besigye later protested repeatedly and collapsed in the dock.

The lawyers argue that in a capital case such as treason, the prosecution should have sought an adjournment to allow confidential consultation, review of disclosures and an independent assessment of Besigye’s fitness to stand trial. They cite constitutional and international guarantees of a fair hearing and say proceeding under current conditions could expose any conviction to challenge.

Besigye and Lutale were transferred to the High Court after Uganda’s Supreme Court ruled in January 2025 that military courts cannot try civilians. They deny the charges. The DPP had not publicly responded by the time of publication.