High Court Orders Besigye, Lutale to Plead to Treason Charges Without Delay

High Court Judge Emmanuel Baguma has ordered that jailed opposition figure Rt. Col. Dr. Kiiza Besigye and his aide Hajji Obeid Lutale must immediately take plea on treason charges, bringing an end to delays that have surrounded the case.

While presiding over the matter, Justice Baguma directed that the plea-taking proceed without any further postponement, emphasizing the need for the court process to move forward. The ruling comes after repeated requests and applications by the defense seeking to halt or delay the plea-taking.

Dr. Besigye and Lutale, who have been in custody, face treason-related charges that have drawn wide public and political attention across the country. Supporters argue the case is politically motivated, while the state maintains that the charges are lawful and must be answered in court.

The decision marks a significant turning point in the high-profile case, as plea-taking is expected to set the stage for full trial proceedings. Court observers and political stakeholders are closely watching how the matter will unfold in the coming days.