Kampala, Uganda: The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has petitioned the High Court, Criminal Division, seeking permission for the live streaming of proceedings in the criminal case involving opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye, Hajj Obeid Lutale and Capt. Denis Oola.
In a statement issued on Friday, the ULS Vice President Asiimwe Anthony said the society had written to the Deputy Registrar of the Criminal Division requesting that HCCS Case No. 335 of 2025, Uganda vs Dr. Kiiza Kifefe Besigye, Hajji Obeid Lutale and Captain Denis Oola, be broadcast live to promote judicial transparency and public confidence in the administration of justice.
According to Law Society President Isaac Ssemakadde, the request comes against the backdrop of several unanswered petitions alleging judicial misconduct in the matter, which is before trial judge Justice Emmanuel Baguma, as well as complaints from journalists who say they have been denied access to the proceedings.
“The ULS is concerned that restricting public and media access undermines the principles of open justice, accountability, and the right of the public to information on matters of significant public interest,” said Isaac K. Ssemakadde, SC, the ULS President and Head of the Bar.
He further argued that there is already judicial precedent for live-streaming criminal proceedings, citing Criminal Case No. 132 of 2026, Uganda vs Christopher Onyum, in which court proceedings were streamed through Judiciary platforms.
The Bar urged the High Court to adopt a similar arrangement for the Besigye, Lutale, and Oola case “as soon as possible.” He further noted that live streaming would align with Uganda’s constitutional commitments to the rule of law, access to justice, and good governance.
“Live streaming aligns with Uganda’s constitutional commitments to the rule of law, access to justice, and good governance. It will also help dispel speculation, promote public confidence in the Judiciary, and ensure accurate and responsible reporting,” the statement concluded.
Besigye, Lutale and Captain Denis Oola face treason charges over allegations that they plotted to overthrow the government. Prosecutors allege they held meetings in Uganda, Kenya, Greece and Switzerland to solicit funding, acquire weapons and organize paramilitary activities.
The prosecution says it intends to rely on witness testimony, audio and video recordings, social media communications, immigration records and telephone data during the trial. According to the prosecution, the trio held meetings in Geneva, Athens, Nairobi and Kampala to solicit funding, acquire weapons and organise paramilitary operations.
Prosecutors allege that Besigye met a Kurdish intelligence operative identified as Andrew Wilson and received US$5,000 to facilitate the transport of 36 Ugandans to Kisumu, Kenya, for military training. The recruits were allegedly intercepted and deported before the training could begin.
The prosecution further alleges that Besigye sought to acquire surface-to-air missiles, ricin poison and counterfeit currency, and planned to use drone technology to assassinate President Yoweri Museveni.
The state says it intends to rely on audio and video recordings, social media communications, immigration records and telephone data as evidence during the trial.
The case returns to court on July 29, 2026, when the accused are expected to indicate
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