Day two of the trial of Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused persons began on Thursday at the High Court in Kampala, with the accused yet to enter their pleas.
The proceedings were delayed as the prosecution sought to confirm the particulars of Besigye’s third co-accused, Capt. Denish Oyaa Oola, whose personal details on the indictment differ from his actual information.
Oola, 43, disputed the indictment listing him as 48 and noted that he serves in the 5th Infantry Division rather than the Armored Brigade as recorded. He requested the court either to release him or correct the indictment.
Besigye, the principal accused, raised objections against Justice Baguma, citing alleged bias and incompetence in the handling of their bail and case.
He questioned why their trial, initially referred to the ICD, is being heard in the Criminal Division of the High Court, suggesting it may be a deliberate tactic to delay proceedings.
He called for the charges to be dropped and fresh investigations to be conducted, arguing that following the previous court-martial charges, the current proceedings are unlawful and unjust.
Besigye also condemned the manner of their arrest in November 2024 in Kenya, describing it as a “kidnap” and noting that they were held at Makindye Barracks without court production, despite no longer being serving officers.
The court adjourned for a short break and is expected to resume shortly.
