TOP NATIONAL STORY: HIGH COURT SETS DATE FOR BESIGYE TREASON TRIAL
Dr. Kizza Besigye, Aide, and UPDF Officer to Face Court on September 1st
Kampala, Uganda — The High Court in Kampala has officially set September 1, 2025, as the date for the long-awaited hearing of the treason case involving prominent opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye, his aide Obeid Lutale, and Captain Denis Oola, a serving officer in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
In a hearing notice released Tuesday, August 19, 2025, Assistant Registrar Samuel Twakire confirmed that proceedings will begin at 11:00 a.m. during the High Court’s criminal session.
The three are accused of plotting to overthrow the Government of Uganda, led by President Yoweri Museveni, who was re-elected in 2021. The prosecution alleges that the suspects knowingly conspired to remove the President by unconstitutional means — an offense categorized as treason under Ugandan law.
They also face additional charges of failing to report knowledge of the plot to relevant security organs, including the Special Forces Command (SFC), Uganda Police, and UPDF authorities — a criminal omission under national security statutes.
The case has drawn national attention due to Dr. Besigye’s longstanding role in Uganda’s opposition politics and his history of legal battles with the state.
Observers and legal analysts are closely watching the upcoming trial, which is expected to reignite debate over political freedoms, military involvement in politics, and the use of treason charges against government critics.
More updates to follow as the trial date approaches.
