COURT: Chief State Attorney Joseph Kyomuhendo has come under intense cross-examination before the High Court as he defended the State’s request to conceal the identities of six prosecution witnesses in the treason case against opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye, Obeid Lutale, and Captain Denis Oola.
Kyomuhendo, who heads the Anti-Trafficking Department at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, told Court that the witnesses must remain anonymous for security reasons, arguing that revealing them could expose them and their families to serious danger.
Testifying before Justice Emmanuel Baguma, Kyomuhendo initially introduced himself as a witness of fact but later expanded his role to include legal arguments, prompting extensive cross-examination by defence lawyers led by Fredrick Mpanga, Erias Lukwago, and Ernest Kalibala.
Mpanga challenged the legal foundation of the application, arguing that Uganda lacks a clear law on witness protection. Kyomuhendo conceded there is no specific statute but maintained that constitutional principles and court discretion allow limited non-disclosure in exceptional cases.
He also cited internal guidelines from the DPP’s office, presenting a blue booklet as reference, and justified the move by describing treason as a high-risk offence where retaliation is possible even before trial ends.
The defence accused the State of concealing witnesses prematurely and abusing process, claims Kyomuhendo rejected, insisting it was a precautionary measure.
Court proceedings, attended by family members, MPs, and opposition figures, also saw moments of tension and laughter as Kyomuhendo gave mixed responses on procedural distinctions within High Court divisions.
Dr Kizza Besigye together with his co-accused face charges of plotting to overthrow government through foreign meetings, recruitment activities, and acquisition of weapons.
