Lawyers representing veteran opposition politician Kizza Besigye have vowed to oppose the commencement of his trial until the court first hears and determines several pending applications, including requests for bail and redress over alleged violations of his fundamental rights.
The position was announced yesterday after the High Court Criminal Division, presided over by Justice Emmanuel Baguma, formally closed the pre-trial hearing and set June 11th, 2026, as the date for the start of the trial involving Besigye and his co-accused, Obed Lutale and Denis Ola.
Speaking to journalists outside court, lead defence Counsel Erias Lukwago said the defence team would not participate in the trial unless their outstanding applications are first addressed.
Defence lawyers argued that they had been supplied with police statements rather than witness statements and sought clarification on the order in which prosecution witnesses would testify.
Tensions escalated when Justice Baguma indicated that he intended to conclude the pre-trial process which the defence objected, arguing that two substantive applications remained unresolved — an application for bail and other alleging violations of the accused persons’ constitutional rights.
Besigye also addressed the court, expressing dissatisfaction with the direction of the proceedings and questioning the decision to appoint assessors and close the pre-trial stage before determining the pending applications.
Despite the objections, Justice Baguma formally closed the pre-trial hearing and scheduled the matter for trial on June 11th.
DR BESIGYE LAWYERS OPPOSES THE COMMENCEMENT OF HIS TRIAL BEFORE DETERMINATION OF PENDING APPLICATIONS
