The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has condemned the handling of the ongoing treason proceedings against its leaders, Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutale, describing recent court developments as a blatant miscarriage of justice and a violation of due process.
In a statement issued Tuesday via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the party criticised both the prosecution and judiciary after a delayed High Court session presided over by Justice Emmanuel Baguma.
“Their absence forced the defense team to seek a reprimand and costs for the state’s failure to respect the court’s time,” the statement read.
The court session, scheduled for 11:00 a.m., began at approximately 12:30 p.m., with Justice Baguma expressing frustration over delays attributed to both prison authorities and the late arrival of state prosecutors, Richard Birivumbuka and Thomas Jatiko, who arrived nearly two hours late.
Lead defence counsel Erias Lukwago stated, “It’s not their liberty when to turn up or not. Court cannot act on the whims of the state. If they don’t appear, there is always a sanction. It’s a serious matter.” Defence lawyer Fredrick Mpanga urged the court to treat the prosecution’s absence as abandonment of its application.
Activist Ingrid Turinawe criticised the court for failing to reprimand the state, noting the financial and logistical burden on the accused and their legal teams. The defence team rejected the prosecution’s justification that filing delays warranted the absence.
After the session, Jatiko and Birivumbuka apologised, citing the late receipt of defence filings and preparation needs. Justice Baguma acknowledged the prosecution’s failure to appear as “improper” but declined to strike out the application or award costs, instead granting a final adjournment in the interest of justice.
The PFF described the court’s acceptance of the “flimsy apology” as a sign of bias, accusing the state of deliberate delay tactics and concealing critical evidence, including witness identities.
During the same session, the High Court ruled that Chief State Attorney Joseph Kyomuhendo must appear for cross-examination on April 24, following a successful defence application. Justice Baguma noted, “It is in the interest of justice that the accused persons’ lawyers cross-examine the deponent.”
The defence strongly opposed a prosecution application seeking to withhold witness identities, arguing it violated constitutional rights.
Despite calls to dismiss the prosecution’s application due to their absence, the court adjourned further proceedings to April 24, 2026. The matter of awarding costs to the defence remains unresolved.
The PFF reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing justice through all legal avenues, stating, “We remain undeterred in our quest for justice. The struggle for fairness in our courts continues.”