KAMPALA, Uganda — Fresh efforts to secure the release of opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye have emerged as his treason case returns to the High Court in Kampala, adding a political dimension to a trial that has been before court for months.
Reports indicate that negotiations involving government and opposition figures are being led by Gen. Salim Saleh, the national coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation. The talks reportedly involve political leaders, religious figures and other prominent Ugandans, with the People’s Front for Freedom and the Forum for Democratic Change among the political groups represented.
FDC deputy spokesperson Walid Mulindwa confirmed that discussions were taking place. He said leaders under the Inter Party Organisation for Dialogue had also discussed Besigye’s situation and that the matter could come before the organisation’s summit.
The reported negotiations do not yet have publicly announced terms. There has also been no confirmed date for Besigye’s release.
The discussions come as the High Court resumes hearing the treason case against Besigye and his co accused, Hajji Obeid Lutale and Capt. Denis Oola, a Uganda People’s Defence Forces officer.
Justice Emmanuel Baguma had adjourned the case to Oct. 5 after state prosecutors failed to appear at the agreed time during the previous hearing. The judge expressed frustration over the delay and said the latest adjournment would be the final one.
The prosecution is expected to continue presenting its evidence. The case has so far included testimony from witnesses who have discussed audio and video recordings that prosecutors say are connected to the alleged plans involving the accused.
One of the witnesses is Dr. Medadi Erisa Ssentanda, a Makerere University linguist who told court about the transcription of recordings. The prosecution said the government paid more than Sh59 million for the transcription work. The admissibility of some of the material has also been contested by the defence.
The State alleges that Besigye, Lutale, Oola and others held meetings in Uganda and abroad as part of a plan to overthrow the government by force. The alleged meetings took place in countries including Kenya, Switzerland and Greece, according to the prosecution.
The accused have denied the allegations.
Besigye has also not been physically present for recent proceedings. His absence became a major issue earlier in the trial after prison authorities told court he had declined to attend physically, while his co accused disputed that account and said he had been receiving medical care. The court later allowed proceedings to continue in his absence.
The case has attracted considerable attention because of the seriousness of the charges and Besigye’s long history as an opposition politician and four time presidential candidate.
The latest reported release discussions are taking place outside the courtroom, while the High Court continues to deal with the criminal case. For now, the court proceedings and the reported negotiations remain separate processes, and there is no public confirmation that the talks will result in the withdrawal of charges or an immediate release.
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