The International Crimes Division of the High Court has ordered the prosecution to produce witnesses in the terrorism case against suspected former Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) leader Jamilu Mukulu and 17 others.
A panel of four judges, led by Justice Michael Elubu, issued the directive on Wednesday after State prosecutors appeared in court without witnesses.
The case has been before the courts for about 12 years and has 15 prosecution witnesses so far.
Prosecutors told court that they had planned to call 10 witnesses this week. However, witnesses from Busoga failed to appear, saying they had returned to farming following the onset of rains.
The defence, led by lawyer Patrick Kasumba, asked court to dismiss the charges or grant the accused bail if the prosecution was unable to proceed.
In their ruling, Justices Elubu, Andrew Bashaija, Susan Okalany and Stephen Mubiru said the prosecution had been given enough time to prepare its case.
They ordered the trial to continue on Thursday and Friday and directed the prosecution to ensure its witnesses are available. The judges also said witnesses could testify remotely where necessary.
The court warned that continued failure to produce witnesses could lead to further orders, including granting bail to the accused or directing the prosecution to close its case.
Mukulu and his co-accused face charges including terrorism, murder, attempted murder, aggravated robbery and membership of the ADF.
The prosecution alleges that the group carried out attacks and killings in several parts of Uganda between 2011 and 2015.
