Police Investigator Says He Does Not Know Captain Oola in Besigye Treason Case

What the report says

A police investigator in the treason case against Dr Kizza Besigye told Uganda’s High Court that he does not know Captain Denis Oola and could not explain how Oola was added to the case. According to Nile Post, Benedict Odyek, the third prosecution witness, made the statement during cross-examination by lawyers for Oola and co-accused Obeid Lutale.

The defence pressed Odyek on whether he had any evidence linking Oola to the allegations. He said he had no knowledge of the circumstances behind Oola’s inclusion in the charge sheet and was not sure when Oola entered the investigation file. Odyek also indicated that the Director of Public Prosecutions has the authority to bring charges. The exchange formed part of broader defence efforts to test the quality and scope of the police investigation.

On re-examination, the prosecutor asked why the witness had not visited the alleged crime scene. Odyek said he believed he already had sufficient evidence and that the passage of time meant a visit would likely not add much. The prosecution said it had expected extensive questioning and had not prepared the witness in the usual way.

Judge Emmanuel Baguma adjourned the matter to November 11 for further hearing. Besigye, Lutale and Oola face treason-related charges tied to allegations that they took part in efforts to overthrow the Ugandan government. Nile Post also reported that evidence in the case includes material said to relate to meetings in Nairobi, Kenya, with the handling and authenticity of those recordings now disputed.