The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has raised concerns over the conduct of the treason trial of opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Hajj Obeid Lutale.
Ssemakadde cited Besigye’s collapse in court, restrictive media guidelines and what it describes as procedural irregularities that threaten the constitutional right to a fair and public trial.
In a statement issued on Thursday, ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde, who is in exile, said the Society was alarmed by reports that Besigye collapsed during proceedings before High Court Judge Emmanuel Baguma.
“The Uganda Law Society is deeply concerned by reports of Dr. Kizza Besigye’s collapse in court yesterday during his treason trial,” Ssemakadde said, adding that the accused’s health and fitness to stand trial should take precedence over the pace of the proceedings.
The lawyers’ body also criticised the Judiciary’s decision to issue restrictive guidelines through the Electronic Court Case Management System (ECCMIS) shortly before the hearing.
According to ULS, the measures impose severe limitations on media access, photography, live broadcasting and public scrutiny of the trial.
Ssemakadde said the restrictions undermine the constitutional principle of open justice.”Justice delayed is justice buried, but so too is justice hurried. Publicity is the soul of justice. Without it, justice becomes a ghost. Hiding proceedings from the public eye is the wrong path,” he said.
While acknowledging that Article 28 of the Constitution guarantees every accused person a hearing within a reasonable time, Ssemakadde cautioned against rushing proceedings at the expense of due process.
“Haste must not be mistaken for the speediness of justice. Rushing proceedings at the expense of fundamental safeguards such as proper legal representation, medical fitness of the accused and transparency does not serve justice; it undermines it,” he said.
The Society also questioned the decision to proceed with state-appointed counsel despite Besigye’s reported objections and what it described as documented barriers faced by his preferred legal team.
It further criticised the court for proceeding before determining pending applications, including one seeking a stay of the trial and another concerning the alleged repression of members of the defence team.
ULS called on the court to ensure that Besigye receives independent medical care, lift the media restrictions and engage the legal profession and media in developing balanced guidelines for court coverage.
The Society also urged the Judiciary to prioritise live streaming of the proceedings through official Judiciary platforms and accredited media outlets, expeditiously hear and determine the pending applications and grant any necessary adjournments to safeguard due process.
“The Bar will continue to monitor this matter closely and stands ready to defend the independence of the legal profession and the rule of law,” Ssemakadde said.
He urged the Judiciary leadership to address growing public concern over the handling of the case.
Dr. Besigye and Kamulegeya are jointly charged with treason before the High Court. The prosecution alleges that the two, together with others still at large, engaged in activities intended to overthrow the government. They deny the charges.
The case was transferred to the civilian courts after the Supreme Court ruled that civilians should no longer be tried before military courts, prompting the transfer of several cases from the General Court Martial to the High Court.
Since then, Besigye’s legal team has filed a number of applications challenging aspects of the proceedings. Among those cited by the Uganda Law Society are Miscellaneous Application No. 269 of 2026, seeking a stay of the proceedings, and Miscellaneous Application No. 248 of 2026, seeking an inquiry into the alleged repression of members of the defence team.
The latest concerns arose after Besigye reportedly collapsed during proceedings and the Judiciary introduced new guidelines governing media coverage and public access to the trial. The Judiciary had not responded to the Uganda Law Society’s statement by the time of publication-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
