Besigye, Lutale, Oola Return to High Court; Defence Slams Prosecution Over Delayed Evidence Disclosure
Dr. Kizza Besigye and co-accused Obeid Lutale and Cpt Denis Oola have appeared before the High Court for pre-trial hearings. While the prosecution withdrew its bid to conceal witness identities, defence lawyers accuse the state of failing to disclose evidence on time, arguing the delay undermines their right to a fair trial.
KAMPALA, Uganda – Veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, businessman Obeid Lutale, and Captain Denis Oola reappeared before the High Court on Monday morning as legal teams convened to resolve outstanding procedural issues, notably the appointment of assessors, ahead of the full commencement of their trial.
The three accused face charges related to security and treason-related offenses, though much of the pre-trial session was dominated by acrimonious exchanges over the prosecution’s handling of evidence disclosure.
In a dramatic twist, the state recently withdrew its controversial application to conceal the identities of its witnesses. However, defence lawyers argue that this reversal has done little to remedy what they call a systemic failure to provide critical case materials in a timely manner.
Speaking outside the courtroom, lead defence counsel described the prosecution’s disclosure record as “woefully deficient.”
“They withdrew the application to hide witnesses, which we welcome, but that does not excuse the late dumping of evidence,” the lawyer said. “Our team is still combing through statements and exhibits that should have been shared months ago. You cannot prepare for a fair trial when the state holds cards until the last hour.”
The defence formally requested an adjournment to allow for thorough review of the newly disclosed materials, arguing that proceeding without full access would violate the accused’s right to a fair hearing under Article 28 of Uganda’s Constitution.
Prosecutors, for their part, maintained that all relevant evidence has now been handed over, and that the withdrawal of the witness anonymity bid demonstrates their commitment to transparency. They urged the court to proceed expeditiously with the appointment of three assessors—a key feature of Ugandan trial procedure where judicial officers sit with lay assessors to advise on facts.
Justice Michael Elubu, presiding over the session, acknowledged the defence’s concerns but emphasized the need to move the case forward. The court is expected to rule on the appointment of assessors later this week, with a potential timeline for the full trial opening to be set.
Dr. Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and longtime critic of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government, appeared calm in the dock, occasionally conferring with his co-accused. Lutale and Capt. Oola similarly listened attentively as their legal team laid out procedural objections.
The case continues to draw close scrutiny from human rights groups and diplomatic missions, who view the trial as a bellwether for judicial independence in Uganda ahead of the next electoral cycle.
LCC TV NEWS
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