The much-anticipated treason trial of opposition veteran Dr Kizza Besigye and his aide, Hajj Obeid Lutale, failed to take off today after the two accused persons did not appear in court.
The High Court in Kampala had scheduled the hearing for the commencement of the prosecution’s case, but proceedings were halted after it emerged that only the third accused, Capt Denis Oola, had been produced before court.
A team of defence lawyers led by Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua and Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago immediately objected to the trial proceeding in the absence of Dr Besigye and Hajj Lutale, arguing that such a move would violate constitutional guarantees to a fair hearing.
Justice Baguma then directed prison authorities to explain why the two accused persons had not been produced in court despite the matter having prior been scheduled for today.
Responding to the judge, Assistant Superintendent of Prisons Emmanuel Hiire said the two accused had declined to attend court citing pending issues between the lawyers and court.
The prosecution team, led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Thomas Jatiko, indicated that it was ready to proceed with the trial and had lined up two witnesses to testify.
However, the absence of the two principal accused persons meant the hearing could not continue.
Faced with the absence of Dr Besigye and Hajj Lutale, Justice Baguma adjourned the matter to June 30th and ordered prison authorities to ensure the accused persons are produced in court on that date.