Da Dona
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- Dec 16, 2025
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The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has petitioned the High Court Criminal Division to allow live streaming of proceedings in the treason case involving opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye, Hajji Obeid Lutale, and Captain Denis Oola.
In a letter dated July 15, 2026, addressed to the Deputy Registrar of the High Court Criminal Division, Samuel Twakyire, the society requested that the trial be broadcast live through the Judiciary's official platforms to promote transparency, public access to justice, and confidence in the judicial process.
The request follows complaints from members of the public alleging possible judicial misconduct, as well as concerns from journalists who claim they have been restricted from covering proceedings before trial judge Justice Emmanuel Baguma.
According to the Law Society, limiting public and media access undermines the principles of open justice and the public's right to information, especially in a case that has attracted significant national interest.
The society cited the earlier case of Uganda v Christopher Onyum, whose proceedings were live streamed by the Judiciary, arguing that the same arrangement should be extended to the Besigye case.
ULS believes live streaming would reduce speculation, enhance accountability, and enable accurate reporting of the trial while strengthening public confidence in the justice system.
The High Court is yet to decide on the request.