Jailed opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused Hajj Obeid Lutale have written to High Court Judge Emmanuel Baguma expressing serious concerns about what they term as violations of due process in their ongoing criminal case.
In a letter dated July 1, 2026, the two opposition figures argued that the court has given them extremely tight deadlines to prepare their defence while they remain behind bars at Luzira Government Prison.
The duo specifically questioned the handling of their bail application, noting that although they filed it weeks ago, they were later given only a few days to file responses and get ready for hearings.
“We are being rushed through a process that requires careful preparation,” the letter reads in part, adding that such compressed timelines make it nearly impossible for them to effectively consult their lawyers and put up a proper defence.
Besigye and Lutale further accused the court of ignoring concerns they previously raised about access to legal representation, saying their submissions were brushed aside during earlier proceedings.
“Our human rights are inherent and are not granted by the State,” the letter stresses, reminding the court that the judiciary has a constitutional duty to protect the rights of all accused persons, regardless of the nature of charges against them.
The two are facing charges that carry severe penalties, making strict adherence to constitutional safeguards even more critical, they argued.
In their letter addressed to Justice Baguma through the Officer in Charge of Luzira Government Prison, the detainees challenged several court directives that they believe are inconsistent with constitutional guarantees of a fair hearing.
They also raised concerns about the independence of Uganda’s judiciary, suggesting that recent court timelines indicate a pattern that undermines fair trial rights.
The letter comes amid growing scrutiny of how the courts are handling cases involving political figures in the country.
Besigye, a veteran opposition leader who has challenged President Yoweri Museveni in multiple elections, has been in detention since earlier this year.
His supporters have maintained that the charges against him are politically motivated, a claim the government has consistently denied.
Legal analysts say the concerns raised by Besigye and Lutale touch on fundamental issues that go to the heart of the right to a fair trial.
The matter is now pending before Justice Baguma, who is expected to rule on the bail application and other procedural issues in the coming days.
Observers will be watching closely to see how the court responds to the allegations of due process violations raised by the two opposition figures.
