By Our Reporter
The Nakawa Magistrates court has further remanded Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale until May 21, 2025 for mention of their case, over alleged treason charges.
The court remanded the duo who have been on remand since November on the charges which carry a maximum sentence of death after State attorney Richard Birivumbuka accused Dr Besigye’s defense team led by Counsel Erias Lukwago of failure to disclose the filing date of an application for revision.
According to Birivumbuka, the defense team’s actions were hindering the investigation and called for the swift committal of the case to the High Court.
However, Counsel Lukwago counter accused Birivumbuka’s allegation noting that the state’s lawyer was simply playing to the gallery without presenting satisfying evidence in the treason case against the duo.
Lukwago accused the prosecution of frustrating the Dr Besigye and Lutale’s right to a fair and timely trial before the civilian courts of law.
Defense lawyer Fredrick Mpanga further informed court that the application had been filed with the High court and was reflected in the Electronic Court Case management system.
During the Wednesday hearing, tensions flared in the court from after the court granted the prosecution a private cross examination of lead investigator detective Benedict Odyek excluding the public and the media. Dr. Besigye and his two co-accused have applied for bail several times, but in vain. According to the prosecution, Dr. Besigye, Hajj Lutale, Capt. Denis Oola, and others still at large allegedly plotted to overthrow the government by force of arms between 2023 and November 2024. The alleged plot spans multiple countries, including Geneva (Switzerland), Athens (Greece), Nairobi (Kenya), and Kampala City.
