Fresh restrictions imposed on the treason trial of Ugandan opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye have triggered sharp criticism, with a political analyst accusing the Judiciary of undermining transparency and justice.
The Judiciary on July 29, 2026, issued revised guidelines tightening access and media coverage at the Criminal Division of the High Court, where Dr Besigye is being tried alongside Hajj Obeid Lutale and Captain Denis Oola.
The measures include limited courtroom access, mandatory accreditation for journalists, and a ban on communication devices such as mobile phones inside the courtroom.
Reacting to the development, political analyst Henry Chemba delivered a scathing assessment, questioning the intent behind the restrictions.
“Finally they have decided to try and sentence Dr Besigye deep inside the dungeon of darkness. Justice in darkness and pits of hell,” Chemba said. “The Judiciary is the Devil on the Cross. Sad.”
His remarks come amid growing scrutiny over the balance between security and openness in one of Uganda’s most closely watched political trials.
Under the new rules, only selected court officials, legal teams, accredited journalists, and a limited number of members of the public will be allowed into the courtroom, depending on space availability.
The Judiciary has defended the measures as necessary to ensure order and security. In its statement, it maintained that the guidelines are designed to facilitate a “fair and public hearing” while preserving the integrity of the judicial process.
Journalists will also be required to submit all equipment for security screening, while photography and videography remain heavily restricted unless expressly authorised.
Requests for live broadcasts will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, further limiting real-time public access to proceedings that have attracted regional and international attention.
Chemba’s criticism reflects concerns among some observers that the restrictions could reduce transparency in a politically sensitive case involving a long-time critic of President Yoweri Museveni.
However, others argue that courts have the mandate to regulate proceedings to prevent disruptions and ensure safety.