Treason trial to proceed in Besigye’s absence, court r

KAMPALA - The High Court in Kampala has ruled that the treason trial of four-time presidential candidate Dr Kizza Besigye will proceed in his absence. Justice Emmanuel Baguma of the High Court's Criminal Division today (August 18) said medical professionals had cleared Besigye as fit to stand trial, but that he had declined to attend court. Stating that it was impracticable to conduct the proceedings in Besigye's absence, the judge referred to a medical report from Mulago Hospital indicating that Besigye had been discharged and was able to communicate and understand the proceedings. "Besigye's repeated absence has made it difficult to continue with the trial in his presence," Baguma stated. He said Besigye had indicated, even before he collapsed on July 29, 2026, that he did not want to attend the proceedings.