Judiciary issues revised guidelines ahead of Besigye trial proceedings.
In a statement issued on July 29, 2026, the Judiciary said the measures are part of a wider security plan aimed at safeguarding the right to a fair and public hearing while maintaining the integrity of the judicial process.
The Judiciary has announced revised guidelines to ensure the secure, orderly and efficient conduct of proceedings in the trial of Uganda vs Dr. Kizza Besigye, Hajji Obeid Lutale and Captain Denis Oola at the Criminal Division of the High Court.
In a statement issued on July 29, 2026, the Judiciary said the measures are part of a wider security plan aimed at safeguarding the right to a fair and public hearing while maintaining the integrity of the judicial process.
Access to the courtroom will be limited to selected judicial and non-judicial staff, the accused persons, state and defence lawyers, accredited journalists and members of the public admitted depending on available space.
Journalists intending to cover the proceedings will be required to obtain prior accreditation from the Judiciary’s Public Relations Office. The court also indicated that the number of court reporters may be restricted based on courtroom capacity.
The new guidelines require journalists to submit cameras, audio recorders, laptops and other electronic gadgets for security screening before entering the courtroom. Requests for live broadcasts will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The Judiciary further restricted photography and videography inside the courtroom, stating that images of the trial judge and witnesses can only be taken with prior court approval. The use of mobile phones, tablets and other smart devices will also not be allowed inside the courtroom.
The Judiciary said the measures are intended to promote security, orderly proceedings and continued public access while upholding the constitutional principle of open justice.
