By Ben Musanje
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has sharply criticized the Judiciary’s revised media guidelines for the ongoing treason trial of opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye, arguing that the restrictions undermine the constitutional principle of open justice.
The criticism follows Wednesday’s dramatic court session in which Dr. Besigye collapsed in the dock during proceedings before High Court Judge Emmanuel Baguma at the Criminal Division of the High Court.
According to witnesses, Besigye repeatedly shouted, “Stop, stop, stop!” in protest as prosecutors began examining their first witness. He had objected to the trial proceeding after the court appointed state-funded lawyers to represent him, insisting that legal representation could not be imposed without his consent.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Uganda Law Society President Isaac K. Ssemakadde, SC, said the Bar was “deeply concerned” by reports of Besigye’s collapse and questioned whether the accused was medically fit to stand trial.
The Society also criticized revised guidelines issued through the Judiciary’s Electronic Court Case Management System (ECCMIS), saying they were introduced at the last minute and severely restricted media access, photography, live broadcasting and public scrutiny of the proceedings.
The ULS argued that while Article 28(1) of the Constitution guarantees a fair hearing within a reasonable time, “haste must not be mistaken for the speediness of justice.”
“Rushing proceedings at the expense of fundamental safeguards—such as proper legal representation, medical fitness of the accused and transparency—does not serve justice; it undermines it,” the statement reads.
The Society further contended that proceeding with state-appointed counsel despite the accused’s objections, while his preferred legal team allegedly faces obstacles, together with the failure to determine pending applications before the trial continues, risks eroding public confidence in the judicial process.
Among the pending matters cited are Miscellaneous Application No. 269 of 2026, seeking a stay of proceedings, and Miscellaneous Application No. 248 of 2026, which seeks an inquiry into alleged repression against members of Besigye’s legal team.
The ULS called on the court to ensure Besigye receives independent medical care, lift what it described as unilateral publicity restrictions, prioritise live-streaming of proceedings through Judiciary platforms, and determine the pending applications before proceeding further with the trial.
However, the Judiciary defended the revised guidelines, saying they are intended to ensure security, orderly proceedings and continued public access while preserving the integrity of the judicial process.
Under the new measures, courtroom access is limited to judicial officers, court staff, the accused, lawyers, accredited journalists and members of the public admitted subject to available space.
Journalists covering the proceedings must obtain prior accreditation from the Judiciary’s Public Relations Office and submit all electronic equipment for security screening before entering the courtroom.
The guidelines also provide that requests for live broadcasting will be considered on a case-by-case basis, while photography and videography inside the courtroom are restricted. Images of the trial judge and witnesses may only be taken with prior authorisation of the court. In addition, mobile phones, tablets and other communication devices are prohibited inside the courtroom.
The Judiciary maintains that the measures are designed solely to facilitate secure and orderly proceedings while safeguarding the constitutional right to a fair and public hearing.
The Uganda Law Society, however, insists the restrictions amount to an unnecessary limitation on transparency and public oversight of a case attracting significant national interest.
“The Bar will continue to monitor this matter closely and stands ready to defend the independence of the legal profession and the rule of law,” Ssemakadde said, urging the Judiciary to address growing public concern over the handling of the case.
Dr. Besigye is jointly charged alongside Hajji Obeid Lutale and Captain Denis Oola in the ongoing treason case before the High Court. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
