Judiciary Tightens Security, Media Access Rules for Besigye Trial.
Dr Kizza Besigye standing in the dock at
By Skika Reporter
The Judiciary has introduced stricter security and media access guidelines for the ongoing trial of Dr. Kizza Besigye, Hajji Obeid Lutale and Captain Denis Oola at the Criminal Division of the High Court, citing the need to safeguard the integrity of the judicial process while ensuring a fair and public hearing.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the Judiciary said the revised measures form part of a broader security plan for the high-profile case.
“As part of the wider security plan, the following steps have been put in place at the Criminal Division of the High Court in the trial of Uganda vs Dr. Kizza Besigye, Hajji Obeid Lutale & Captain Denis Oola. These will facilitate the orderly, secure and efficient conduct of the proceedings while safeguarding the right to a fair and public hearing,” the statement said.
Under the new directives, courtroom access will be limited to selected judicial and non-judicial staff, the accused persons, prosecution and defence lawyers, accredited journalists, and members of the public admitted subject to available seating capacity.
The Judiciary has also made prior accreditation mandatory for all journalists intending to cover the proceedings. Accreditation must be obtained through the Judiciary’s Public Relations Office, which will also determine the number of court reporters allowed into the courtroom depending on available space.
Security measures have also been strengthened for media personnel. All cameras, audio recorders, laptops and other electronic devices will undergo screening before entry into the court premises.
The Judiciary further announced that requests for live broadcasting of the proceedings will be considered individually and must be submitted in advance to the Public Relations Office.
Photography and videography inside the courtroom have also been restricted. Images of the trial judge and witnesses may only be taken with prior authorization from the court.
In addition, the use of communication devices—including mobile phones, tablets and other smart devices—will not be permitted inside the courtroom during the proceedings.
The Judiciary emphasized that the measures are designed to balance security concerns with public access to the trial.
“These measures are intended solely to ensure security, orderly proceedings and continued public access to the hearing while preserving the integrity of the judicial process and the constitutional principle of open justice,” the statement said.
The trial of Dr. Besigye, Hajji Lutale and Captain Oola continues under heightened public and media interest, with the Judiciary maintaining that the new guidelines are aimed at ensuring orderly proceedings while upholding the principles of transparency and fairness.
