The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has indicated plans to amend the treason charges brought against opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, Obeid Lutale, and Captain Denis Oola.
This was communicated during a session at the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, May 21, 2025.
Chief State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka was in court to represent the DPP. However, the proposed amendments were not formally presented after Grade One Magistrate Jonathan Tiyo, who stood in for the trial magistrate Esther Nyadoi, clarified that he was under instruction to adjourn the matter and not to receive new filings.
Birivumbuka did not submit the amended charge sheet and instead opted to defer the matter to the next session when the presiding magistrate would be present. According to a source familiar with the case, the intended amendment is minor, reportedly aimed at correcting typographical and grammatical errors in the current charge sheet without altering the substance of the charges.
The legal team representing Dr. Besigye and Lutale, including Eron Kiiza and Kenyan senior counsel Martha Karua, raised concern over the manner in which the proposed changes were handled. They said they had not received any official communication or service of the amended charge sheet and opposed any attempt to alter the charges without due notice.
Captain Denis Oola was represented by Captain Simon Nsubuga Busagwa. Defense lawyer Erias Lukwago also addressed court, highlighting that the accused had now exceeded the six-month constitutional threshold for pretrial detention and called for court intervention. He added that there is a pending application concerning the enforcement of their clients’ rights that remains unresolved.
David Mpanga, another defense lawyer, requested court to grant private access to the accused by both the legal team and family members. The request was granted by the magistrate.
The case has been adjourned to May 29, 2025, when it is expected to return before Chief Magistrate Esther Nyadoi.
Dr. Besigye and Lutale filed a second bail application on April 22, 2025, after the High Court dismissed their initial application on April 11. They cited their permanent residences and willingness to comply with bail conditions. All three accused remain in custody facing charges of treason and misprision of treason related to alleged activities in Uganda and abroad.