The High Court’s Criminal Division has set June 11 for the commencement of the treason trial involving opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, Hajji Obeid Lutale, and Capt. Denis Oola after concluding a contentious preliminary hearing on Monday.

Presiding Judge Justice Emmanuel Baguma closed the pre-trial proceedings without a signed memorandum after both the prosecution and defence failed to agree on any issues, including agreed facts that could narrow the scope of the trial.

“The court cannot force parties to agree,” Justice Baguma ruled, noting that since no common ground had been reached, the case would proceed without a memorandum of agreed facts.

The judge also appointed three assessors John Musana, Sarah Babirye, and Richard Okello to assist the court during the trial, despite objections from the defence team.

Defence lawyers, led by Elias Lukwago, raised concerns about what they described as continuing violations of their clients’ fair trial rights, including limited access to the accused persons at Luzira Prison, inadequate time to prepare their defence, and delays in obtaining complete disclosure of prosecution evidence.

“We need adequate access to our clients and sufficient time to prepare. These are fundamental requirements for a fair trial,” the defence submitted.

In a rare personal address to the court, Dr. Besigye questioned the fairness of the proceedings and complained that critical issues raised by the defence remained unresolved.

“There are still serious concerns regarding access to prosecution disclosures and the ability of the defence to prepare adequately,” Besigye told the court.

The veteran opposition politician further suggested that the prosecution was politically motivated and criticized what he termed interference in the judicial process.

“If the intention is to keep political opponents in detention for prolonged periods, then the law should be amended openly rather than using the courts to achieve that end,” Besigye reportedly argued.

The prosecution opposed most of the defence requests, saying matters concerning prison facilities and lawyer-client access were beyond its control.

“We have no agreed facts with the defence, and we are ready to proceed with our witnesses,” the prosecution submitted.

The hearing, which began shortly after 11 a.m., was also marked by complaints over restricted public access to the courtroom. Supporters and observers who were unable to enter the court criticized the arrangements, while Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, reportedly described aspects of the proceedings as a “travesty of justice.”

Court records indicate that prison authorities have now facilitated additional access for defence lawyers to meet the accused persons as preparations intensify ahead of the trial.

The High Court had earlier dismissed defence efforts to refer constitutional questions to the Constitutional Court, including concerns regarding the time available to prepare a defence.

Dr. Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and one of Uganda’s most prominent opposition figures, is jointly charged with Lutale and Oola with treason and misprision of treason. Prosecutors allege that the trio participated in meetings held in Uganda, Kenya, Switzerland, Greece and other countries between 2023 and 2024 as part of a scheme to overthrow the government by force.

The accused have consistently denied the allegations.

Justice Baguma directed that the trial commence on Thursday, June 11, with the swearing-in of assessors and the testimony of the prosecution’s first witness.“We are ready to proceed with the hearing of this case,” the judge said as he adjourned the matter to Thursday