The treason trial of Ugandan opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye has been adjourned to October 5. The case was scheduled to resume at 11 am on Wednesday, but the two state prosecutors, Assistant DPP Thomas Jatiko and Chief State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka, failed to show up. The defense lawyers informed the judge that the prosecutors were handling another matter in a different court.
Justice Emmanuel Baguma of the Ugandan High Court in Kampala expressed irritation at the delay. The defense team, led by Farouk Kizito Kamulegeya, requested a 30-minute delay to allow the prosecutors to attend to their other matter. However, the judge decided to adjourn the case to October 5, citing the prosecution's failure to disclose their prior commitment.
The case involves allegations that Dr Besigye, along with co-accused Mr Lutale and UPDF Captain Denis Oola, participated in meetings in Uganda and abroad to overthrow the government. The accused have denied the allegations. The trial has been ongoing, with the second prosecution witness, Mr Medadi Ssentanda, testifying last week.
Mr Ssentanda's testimony centered on a flash disk that allegedly contained secretly recorded videos and audios of Dr Besigye's plan to overthrow the government. The judge was scheduled to deliver a ruling on the admissibility of the flash disk on Wednesday. The government allegedly paid close to Shs60m to Makerere University's Centre for Languages and Communication to transcribe the audios and videos.
Dr Besigye has not been part of the ongoing hearing since he collapsed in court while protesting the choice of lawyers assigned to him. The opposition leader's lawyers have raised concerns about his representation in the trial. The case has been ongoing for several months, with the prosecution presenting its evidence.
The adjournment to October 5 is the latest in a series of delays in the trial. The case has been ongoing since 2016, with several adjournments and changes in the prosecution team. The opposition has criticized the trial, citing concerns about its fairness and the government's motives.
The trial's outcome is uncertain, with the prosecution yet to present all its evidence. The defense team is expected to present its case after the prosecution's evidence has been heard. The international community has been following the trial, with several diplomats and human rights organizations expressing concerns about the case.
Key points
- The treason trial of Dr Kizza Besigye has been adjourned to October 5 due to the absence of state prosecutors.
- The case involves allegations of a plot to overthrow the government, which the accused have denied.
- The trial has been delayed several times, with concerns raised about its fairness and the government's motives.
