By Sulaiman Kauki
The High Court has directed Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba and four other respondents to submit their responses within seven days to an application filed by detained opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye.
The order was issued by Justice Emmanuel Baguma of the Criminal Division of the High Court during proceedings held on Thursday. The court set June 18, 2026, as the deadline for the respondents to file their affidavits and June 25 for any rejoinders. The matter is scheduled for hearing on June 30.
In his application, Dr Besigye challenges a number of statements allegedly made by General Muhoozi on social media, arguing that they threatened his life and could compromise his right to a fair trial in the ongoing treason case against him.
Also named as respondents are the Attorney General, Colonel Peter Ahimbisibwe, and Lieutenant Colonel Ephraim Byaruhanga. Ahimbisibwe and Byaruhanga are accused of taking part in the operation in Kenya that allegedly resulted in the arrest and transfer of Besigye and his aide, Hajj Obeid Lutale, to Uganda. The two officers are facing trial alongside Captain Denis Oola.
Court documents presented by Besigye’s legal team reference several posts allegedly published on the X platform by General Muhoozi. One of the posts is said to have suggested that Besigye would be executed on Heroes Day, while another reportedly described him as “a dead man walking.”
The application further cites additional remarks allegedly made in April 2026 in which General Muhoozi reportedly indicated that Besigye could face execution by hanging or shooting. Other posts allegedly implied that Besigye would only regain his freedom through a presidential apology or in death.
Besigye’s lawyers argue that such statements amount to intimidation and psychological distress, while also portraying their client as guilty before the court has determined the case. They maintain that comments from a senior military official have the potential to undermine judicial independence and influence public perception of the proceedings.
The legal team further contends that the statements violate the constitutional principle that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty and could interfere with the fair administration of justice.
Meanwhile, the hearing of the treason case failed to proceed on Thursday after prison authorities informed the court that Besigye and Lutale had declined to attend.
Assistant Superintendent of Prisons Emmanuel Hiire told the court that the two accused persons cited unresolved concerns involving their lawyers and the court process. When Justice Baguma requested further details, Hiire said a comprehensive explanation could be obtained from the Commissioner General of Prisons, Dr Johnson Byabashaija.
The case is expected to return to court later this month as legal arguments over the application continue.