Africa-Press – Uganda. Veteran opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye and his associate Hajj Obed Lutale, facing treason charges, appeared in court on Monday amid growing concerns over Besigye’s health.
Observers noted that the former presidential candidate appears to be losing weight, raising alarm among his legal team and supporters.
The court session, which also involved Capt. Ola, was dominated by a dispute over full disclosure of evidence by the prosecution.
Karua, representing the defense, stressed that the matter could not proceed to conferencing without complete access to the case materials.
“We cannot go into conferencing before full disclosure of the gist of the case against them,” she said.
Assistant DPP Thomas Jatiko, however, stated that the prosecution had made partial disclosure, providing audio and video recordings along with witness statements. He added that efforts are underway to transfer these materials onto devices accessible to the defense.
“We are also organizing a forensic report. If given a debate by Tuesday next week, we will have served the difference. We pray for disclosure next week, March 3,” Jatiko said.
The defense, represented by Lukwago, rejected the prosecution’s request for an adjournment. He raised concerns about Besigye’s health and the continued denial of bail, urging the court to take note of the prosecution’s conduct.
“The health of Dr Kizza Besigye is worrying to us. Any delay inadvertently occasioned by the prosecution cannot be ignored,” Lukwago said.
Concerns over Dr Besigye’s deteriorating health spilled into the religious sphere on Monday when a Holy Mass planned at St Mary’s Cathedral, Lubaga, to pray for the detained opposition leader and other political prisoners unexpectedly fell through.
Hundreds had gathered for the 2pm service, which was to be led by Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere, but worshippers were informed shortly before the service that it had been postponed.
Besigye’s wife, Eng Winnie Byanyima, said the archbishop had contacted her to relay a request from President Museveni to delay the Mass pending further investigation amid claims the gathering could be politically motivated.
As a result, the congregation remained in silent prayer and hymn singing inside the cathedral before dispersing in disappointment, reflecting the wider unease surrounding Besigye’s continued detention and health struggles.
The court had originally scheduled the matter for conferencing at 11am, but the session ended with the defense insisting that full disclosure be made before any further proceedings.
The next significant development is expected on March 3, 2026, when the prosecution is expected to complete the disclosure of all case materials.
