KAMPALA, UGANDA: 29 July 2026— The Judiciary of Uganda has issued a strict set of revised guidelines governing access, media coverage, and electronic devices in the high-profile treason trial of opposition veteran Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye and two co-accused.
In an official news release dated July 29, 2026, signed by Public Relations Officer Ereemye James JM and Principal Communications Officer Sheila Wamboga, the Criminal Division of the High Court announced new rules intended “to manage court security while preserving the principle of open justice.”
Dr. Kizza Besigye is on trial alongside Hajji Obeid Lutale and UPDF officer Captain Denis Oola. The trio faces charges of treason and misprision of treason stemming from an alleged plot to overthrow the Government of Uganda.
Key Highlights of the New Directives
According to the Judiciary, the newly implemented security measures include:
Restricted Courtroom Access: Entry into the trial hall will be strictly limited to select judicial and non-judicial court staff, the accused persons, state and defense legal counsel, accredited journalists, and a limited number of members of the public, subject to available seating capacity.
Mandatory Journalist Accreditation: Court reporters covering the trial must obtain prior accreditation from the Judiciary’s Public Relations Officer. The court noted it reserves the right to limit the total number of reporters in attendance based on space.
Equipment Screening: All journalists entering the court premises must present their gear—including cameras, laptops, audio recording devices, and video equipment—for mandatory security screening prior to every session.
Strict Ban on Personal Smart Devices: The use of personal communication gadgets—such as mobile phones, tablets, or other smart devices—is strictly prohibited inside the courtroom.
Broadcasting & Media Restrictions: Live broadcasts will only be permitted on a case-by-case basis upon approval of formal requests submitted to the Public Relations Officer. Furthermore, photography and videography inside the courtroom will be heavily restricted, with images of the presiding trial judge and witnesses expressly forbidden without prior judicial authorization.
Open Justice vs. Security Concerns
The Judiciary emphasized that the revised protocol is part of a broader security strategy to ensure orderly, safe, and efficient court proceedings without compromising the constitutional right to a public hearing or the integrity of the judicial process.
The trial of Dr. Besigye and his co-accused remains one of the most closely watched legal proceedings in the country, attracting intense media attention and public interest following their transfer to the High Court.
