Luzira Prison Put on the Spot as Besigye and Lutale Fail to Reach Court

The High Court in Kampala on Thursday failed to proceed with the treason trial involving opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused Hajji Obeid Lutale after the two men were not produced in court, leaving only fellow accused Capt. Denis Oola present before the judge.

The unexpected absence of Besigye and Lutale forced the court to adjourn the proceedings, with presiding judge Justice Emmanuel Baguma directing that a production warrant be issued to ensure the two accused persons are brought before court on June 30, 2026.

The case, which has attracted significant public and political interest, could not continue because the two principal accused were missing from the courtroom despite the matter having been scheduled for hearing.

When the court sought an explanation, a prison officer from Luzira Prison who was present told the judge that any formal explanation regarding the absence of the inmates should be sought directly from the Commissioner General of Prisons.

The officer indicated that court would need to officially communicate with prison authorities to obtain details about why Besigye and Lutale had not been presented before the court as required.

Their absence immediately raised questions among supporters, lawyers and court observers who had gathered to follow the proceedings. The prosecution had reportedly lined up witnesses and was prepared to proceed with the hearing, but the trial could not continue without the presence of all key accused persons. ([Monitor][1])

Only Capt. Denis Oola, who is jointly charged in the case, appeared before Justice Baguma.

During the session, Oola reportedly raised concerns about difficulties in accessing and consulting with his co-accused persons while in custody, arguing that the restrictions were affecting their ability to adequately prepare a joint defence.

The treason case against Besigye, Lutale and Oola has been one of Uganda’s most closely watched legal proceedings. Besigye, a veteran opposition politician and four-time presidential candidate, has remained at the centre of national debate since his arrest and subsequent charging. The case was transferred to the civilian court system following legal developments surrounding the trial of civilians in military courts.

In court on Thursday, lawyers representing the accused also raised concerns regarding unresolved applications that remain pending before the court. According to reports, the defence team wants several legal matters addressed before the substantive trial can proceed. These include applications touching on the rights of the accused and other procedural issues.

Justice Baguma, however, maintained June 30 as the next key date in the matter and ordered that prison authorities ensure the production of Besigye and Lutale on that day. The judge emphasized that the court could not proceed in the absence of the two accused persons and therefore had no option but to adjourn the hearing.

The issuance of a production warrant is expected to compel prison authorities to present the two men before court at the next sitting and provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding their absence.

Outside the courtroom, the developments were met with disappointment by supporters who had hoped to witness the start of substantive proceedings in the long-running case.

With the trial once again delayed, attention now shifts to June 30, when the court expects Besigye and Lutale to appear alongside Capt. Oola as the state seeks to advance its case and the defence continues to challenge aspects of the prosecution process.

The matter remains one of the most politically sensitive cases currently before Uganda’s courts, with both supporters and critics closely monitoring each development as the legal battle continues.