Agency
Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao has blamed the continued delay in the treason trial of former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) president Dr Kizza Besigye on what he described as courtroom drama orchestrated by the accused himself.
Speaking at the launch of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) Strategic Plan 2025-2030 in Kampala on Thursday, Mao said the prosecution is ready to proceed with the case but has been frustrated by deliberate legal manoeuvres meant to stall the trial.
Mao dismissed claims that the delay stems from the State or the ODPP, insisting that the proceedings have been bogged down by repeated applications, constitutional references, and what he called attempts to choose judges.
The Minister’s remarks were in reference to Besigye’s recent efforts to challenge the composition of the court, including rejecting trial before the High Court’s Criminal Division, arguing that he had been committed to the International Crimes Division by the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court.
Mao said such procedural tactics have slowed down justice, despite the ODPP being ready with evidence and fewer than 20 witnesses.
He accused the defence of hiding behind technicalities to win sympathy from the court of public opinion. Dr Besigye is currently on remand at Luzira Prison alongside his aide Hajji Obeid Lutale, and Captain Denis Oola, facing charges of treason for allegedly attempting to overthrow the government of President Yoweri Museveni.
