Jailed opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused Hajji Obeid Lutale have filed a fresh application before the High Court Criminal Division seeking the termination of criminal proceedings against them in a treason-related case.
The duo is citing alleged grave violations of their constitutional rights, including unlawful abduction, torture, prolonged detention, and prejudicial public statements allegedly made by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is the son of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, whom they are accused of plotting to overthrow.
Besigye and Lutale, who are currently facing charges of treason and misprision of treason before the High Court, argue through their lawyers that the circumstances surrounding their arrest, detention, and prosecution have irreparably compromised their right to a fair trial.
The court documents cite several posts allegedly made on the social media platform X, including one dated January 16, 2025, stating that they will hang KB on Heroes’ Day.
The applicants argue that these statements amount to public prejudgment of guilt, threats of extrajudicial punishment, psychological torture, and interference with judicial independence.
Meanwhile, in court proceedings before Judge Emmanuel Baguma, defence lawyers protested what they termed as the rapid progression of the case, particularly the appointment of three assessors in the treason trial.
The judge later adjourned proceedings
