By Kabuye Ronald
The Judiciary has introduced tighter security and media access guidelines for the ongoing treason trial of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, saying the measures are intended to safeguard security while upholding the constitutional right to a fair and public hearing. However, the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has condemned the new rules, arguing they undermine transparency and public scrutiny of a case it describes as being of immense national interest.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Judiciary said the revised guidelines form part of a broader security plan for the trial of Dr. Besigye, Hajji Obeid Lutale and Captain Denis Ola before the High Court’s Criminal Division.
“These will facilitate the orderly, secure and efficient conduct of the proceedings while safeguarding the right to a fair and public hearing,” the statement said.
Under the new arrangements, courtroom access will be limited to judicial officers and staff, the accused persons, prosecution and defence lawyers, accredited journalists and members of the public admitted subject to available seating.
The Judiciary also directed that journalists intending to cover the proceedings must first obtain accreditation through its Public Relations Office, noting that the court reserves the right to limit the number of reporters allowed into the courtroom depending on available space.
Media practitioners will also be required to submit cameras, laptops, audio recorders and other electronic devices for security screening whenever they attend court.
The guidelines further state that requests for live broadcasts of proceedings must be submitted to the Public Relations Office and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Photography and videography inside the courtroom have also been restricted, with images of the trial judge and witnesses requiring prior court authorization.
In addition, the Judiciary has barred the use of communication devices, including mobile phones, tablets and other smart devices, inside the courtroom.
According to the Judiciary, the measures are intended solely to ensure security, orderly proceedings and continued public access while preserving the integrity of the judicial process and the constitutional principle of open justice.
However, the People’s Front for Freedom rejected the explanation, accusing the Judiciary of attempting to shield the proceedings from public scrutiny.
“The People’s Front for Freedom strongly condemns the latest attempt by the Judiciary to gag the press, restrict public scrutiny and conduct what is effectively a closed-door trial under the guise of security and order,” the party said in a statement.
The opposition party argued that Dr. Besigye’s trial is “not a private matter but a matter of immense public interest,” adding that the Constitution guarantees judicial proceedings should remain transparent, accessible and open to public observation.
PFF further alleged that the new measures create unnecessary obstacles to public oversight of the case.
“By imposing stringent restrictions, the Judiciary is deliberately erecting barriers between the public and the truth. The people of Uganda have an absolute right to watch, listen to and scrutinize every detail of this high-profile case without artificial state-imposed bottlenecks,” the statement said.
The party called on the Judiciary to immediately withdraw the guidelines, insisting that “justice is not a secret affair.”
The Judiciary has not publicly responded to the criticism beyond reiterating that the revised measures are designed to balance security requirements, orderly proceedings and continued public access to the trial.
The High Court is currently hearing the treason case against Dr. Besigye, Lutale and Ola. Prosecutors allege that the three participated in a conspiracy between 2003 and November 2024 to overthrow the government, including by seeking military, financial and logistical support during meetings held in Uganda, Kenya, Greece and Switzerland. All three accused have denied the charges.
