The High Court in Kampala has adjourned the treason proceedings against retired Colonel Dr. Kizza Besigye, his aide Hajji Obeid Lutale, and UPDF Captain Dennis Oola after two of the accused failed to appear in court, citing health complications.
The hearing of the case was scheduled to begin today before Justice Emmanuel Baguma, Deputy Head of the Civil Division, but was halted when prison authorities presented handwritten letters from Luzira Upper Prison, authored by Dr. Besigye and Lutale.
In the letters, both accused persons informed the Deputy Registrar of the Criminal Division that they were unwell and unable to attend court, requesting an adjournment to a later date.
The prosecution was represented by Assistant Directors of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Lino Anguzu, Thomas Jatiko, Richard Birivumbuka, and Joseph Kyomuhendo, while the defence team was led by prominent Kenyan senior counsel Martha Karua, assisted by Kampala Lord Mayor Elias Lukwago and lawyer Ernest Kalibbala.
Only Capt. Oola was physically present in court.
This prompted state prosecutor Anguzu to press prison authorities for an explanation as to why Besigye and Lutale were absent, despite having been remanded to Luzira at their last appearance. Justice Baguma then read out the two letters written by the absent accused, confirming their medical claims.
The prosecution team conceded that, under Ugandan law, an accused person cannot be tried in absentia except under specific legal provisions or by consent.
As such, proceedings could not continue.
The defence lawyers, however, expressed surprise at the existence of the letters, saying they had not been informed by their clients of this development.
They also noted that they had other issues they intended to raise before the court.
After reviewing the correspondence from Luzira, Justice Baguma ruled that it was prudent to wait for all three accused before the formal plea-taking could occur.
He emphasized that any concerns raised by Besigye and Lutale would only be addressed when they are physically present in court. He further clarified that Capt. Oola would not be required to take a plea separately, but jointly with his co-accused.
Consequently, Justice Baguma adjourned the proceedings to October 1, 2025, at 11 a.m. for plea-taking.
The trio faces serious charges of treason and concealment of treason. According to the indictment, between 2023 and November 2024, the accused allegedly conspired to overthrow the Ugandan government through meetings held in Geneva, Athens, Nairobi, and Kampala.
The state alleges that Dr. Besigye coordinated the conspiracy with foreign operatives, including a Kurdish intelligence agent, and solicited military-grade weapons and sabotage strategies.
It is further claimed that he received $5,000 to facilitate the transportation of Ugandans to Kenya for paramilitary training. Lutale and Oola are accused of playing supportive roles in the alleged plot.
The prosecution has indicated that it will rely on video and audio recordings, immigration records, call data, and witness testimony to build its case.
Although today had been fixed for the commencement of the trial, the accused had previously raised concerns about appearing before Justice Baguma, with reports indicating they had even asked him to step down from the case.
