By Kabuye Ronald
The Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court has dismissed a State application seeking access to phone data belonging to Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale.
Prosecutors argued that the phone records were crucial to strengthening their case. However, Chief Magistrate Christine Natenge ruled that her court did not have the jurisdiction to grant the request, as the case had already been referred to the High Court for trial. The decision prompted cheers from Dr. Besigye’s supporters who were present in court.
Dr. Besigye, a prominent opposition figure, was charged in a civilian court in February following a Supreme Court ruling that prohibited the trial of civilians in military courts. He has since been on remand for over three months.
In May, the Nakawa court declined to grant him and his co-accused mandatory bail, despite them meeting all legal requirements. The magistrate again cited lack of jurisdiction, advising the defense to seek bail from the High Court.
According to the charge sheet, the treason charges are linked to an alleged abduction incident in Nairobi, where Dr. Besigye had attended a book launch hosted by Kenyan opposition leader and lawyer Martha Karua.
The State alleges that between 2023 and November 2024, the accused traveled to countries including Switzerland, Greece, and Kenya to participate in meetings aimed at plotting the overthrow of the Ugandan government. Prosecutors claim these meetings took place both in person and online, with sessions held in cities such as Geneva, Athens, Nairobi, and Kampala.
The prosecution further contends that the group, along with others still at large, failed to report knowledge of a planned treasonous act to the appropriate authorities, including the Minister, a magistrate, or the police, as mandated by Ugandan law.
