The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has issued a strong statement following Monday’s proceedings in the treason case against opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye and co-accused Hajji Obeid Lutale, accusing the court of undermining fair trial standards and enabling state misconduct.
The party said the developments confirmed its position that the case is politically driven, describing it as a prosecution that has turned into “weaponised persecution” against political opponents.
PFF cited earlier directions by Justice Emmanuel Baguma requiring the prosecution to fully disclose its evidence by the end of last week.
The party claims the order was not complied with, saying the State only revealed the identities of previously undisclosed witnesses inside court on Monday.
The defence objected to what it termed an unfairly short timeline set by the court. Justice Baguma reportedly gave the defence seven days to go through the newly disclosed material, respond to it, and prepare for both the June 8 preliminary hearing and the main hearing scheduled for June 11.
According to the party, the timeline makes it impossible to prepare an adequate defence in a case involving capital charges.
Lawyers for Dr Besigye argued that the decision violates Article 28(3)(c) of the Constitution, which guarantees sufficient time and facilities to prepare a defence. Besigye later sought a reference to the Constitutional Court to challenge the court’s handling of the matter, but the request was declined.
PFF also questioned what it called inconsistency in the court’s handling of delays, arguing that while the judge has raised concerns about slowing progress in the case, the prosecution has repeatedly failed to comply with disclosure orders and procedural timelines.
The party said it was unfair for the defence to be pressured while alleged breaches by the State go unaddressed. It warned that such practices risk undermining public confidence in the justice system.
PFF maintained that the charges remain politically motivated, insisting the case is being used to weaken opposition voices. It said its legal team is prepared to continue challenging the proceedings as the trial progresses.