Opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and his associate Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya returned to Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court on Tuesday as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) sought court approval to access their mobile phones for forensic analysis.
The pair face charges of misprision of treason following their February arrest upon returning to Uganda from Kenya. Initially detained by military intelligence and arraigned before the General Court Martial, the case has since shifted to the civilian judiciary under the DPP’s oversight.
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Prosecutors believe the phones may hold vital evidence related to the alleged concealment of treasonous activities. However, concerns have been raised by Besigye’s supporters, who claim his phone—currently held by Luzira Prison—was compromised. Notably, activist Ingrid Turinawe recently alleged that Besigye’s WhatsApp account became active, with suspicious messages sent to contacts, despite prison restrictions on mobile device use.
Besigye and Kamulegeya deny all allegations, asserting the charges are politically driven attempts to suppress dissent. The specific details of the accusations remain undisclosed.
Besigye remains in remand after High Court Judge Rosette Comfort Kania denied him bail earlier this month, citing potential interference with investigations—even though he met all bail conditions. The ruling drew criticism from the Uganda Law Society, which accused the judge of acting unlawfully. A new bail application is currently under review.
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