Opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye and his associate Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya were back before the Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court on Tuesday as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) pursued an application to access their mobile phones for forensic analysis.
The two men are charged with misprision of treason, stemming from their February arrest after crossing into Uganda from Kenya.
Initially held by military intelligence and later charged in the General Court Martial, the case was transferred to the civilian system under the DPP’s authority.
Prosecutors argue that the phones may contain crucial evidence regarding the alleged concealment of treasonous activity.
However, Besigye’s associates have raised concerns that his phone, which is in the custody of Luzira Prison, was recently compromised.
Earlier this month, longtime ally Ingrid Turinawe said Besigye’s WhatsApp account had mysteriously become active, with contacts receiving messages purportedly from him.
Given that prisoners are not allowed access to phones, the activity has triggered suspicion that the device was illegally accessed, potentially tainting any evidence obtained from it.
Besigye and Kamulegeya deny any wrongdoing, saying the charges are politically motivated and intended to silence dissent.
The charge of misprision of treason refers to knowingly concealing treason without reporting it to authorities, though details of the alleged offence remain under seal.
Besigye remains on remand after High Court judge Rosette Comfort Kania controversially denied him bail earlier this month, despite acknowledging that he had met all the requirements.
In her ruling, Justice Kania cited a risk of interference with the ongoing investigation as grounds for detention.
Judge Kania was a subject of public criticism for the bail ruling with the Uganda Law Society taking exceptions and accusing her of "illegality".
A fresh bail application was filed last week and is currently pending.