The Nakawa Chief Magistrates’ Court has temporarily suspended proceedings in a case where the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) sought permission to access and examine the phones of jailed opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Hajji Obeid Lutaale Kamulegeya.
The halt occurred on Friday after a dispute between Besigye’s legal team and the prosecution. Besigye’s lawyers requested to cross-examine Detective Benedict Odyek, who had sworn an affidavit supporting the DPP’s request. The prosecution opposed this, arguing that the cross-examination should take place in camera, without media coverage, to protect the ongoing investigation and ensure the security of the detective.
Chief State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka argued that revealing Odyek’s testimony to the public could be harmful to the case. He also requested that the media be excluded from the proceedings, citing Article 28 of the Ugandan Constitution, which allows the court to restrict public access when necessary. Besigye’s lawyers objected, asserting that the case was of public interest and that the media should be allowed to cover it.
Magistrate Esther Nyadoi ruled to have Odyek cross-examined without the public or media present, acknowledging the need to protect the investigation’s integrity. Besigye’s legal team then requested the court’s ruling for review in the High Court, a request the prosecution opposed. The court agreed to allow the review, and the case was adjourned until April 30th, 2025.
Besigye, Lutaale, and Captain Denis Oola face charges of treason and misprision of treason for allegedly conspiring to overthrow the Ugandan government. They are accused of seeking firearms and logistical support in countries such as Switzerland, Greece, Kenya, and Uganda. Besigye and Lutaale have been in custody since November 2024, after their arrest in Kenya and extradition to Uganda.
