The Judiciary has introduced stricter guidelines governing media coverage and public access to the trial of Col Dr Kizza Besigye, Hajji Obeid Lutale and Capt Denis Oola at the Criminal Division of the High court, saying the measures are intended to safeguard security while upholding the right to a fair and public hearing.
The revised directives, issued in a press statement on Tuesday ahead of the resumption of the trial, form part of a broader security plan for the high-profile proceedings.
Under the new guidelines, access to the courtroom will be limited to designated judicial and non-judicial court staff, the accused persons, prosecution and defence lawyers, accredited journalists and members of the public admitted subject to the available seating capacity.
The Judiciary said all journalists intending to cover the trial must obtain prior accreditation through its Public Relations Office.
“All journalists intending to cover the trial should secure prior accreditation from the Judiciary’s Public Relations Officer,” the statement reads.
It adds that “the Court reserves the right to limit the number of court reporters in the courtroom depending on the space available.”
The Judiciary has also directed that all media equipment, including cameras, audio recorders, laptops and other electronic devices, will undergo mandatory security screening before being allowed into the court premises.
Any requests to broadcast the proceedings live must first be submitted to the Public Relations Office for consideration and approval.
Photography and videography inside the courtroom have also been restricted. According to the guidelines, images of the trial judge and witnesses may not be taken without prior authorisation from the court.
The Judiciary has further barred the use of communication devices, including mobile phones, tablets and other smart devices, inside the courtroom while proceedings are underway.
It said the measures are intended to strike a balance between ensuring public access to the proceedings and protecting the integrity, security and orderly conduct of the trial.
Earlier, the Uganda Law Society (ULS), in a July 15 letter, asked the High court to allow live streaming of the proceedings, arguing that public access to the trial is essential to promoting transparency and public confidence in the administration of justice.
ULS vice-president Anthony Asiimwe said the society had received complaints from members of the public alleging judicial misconduct in the handling of the case before Justice Emmanuel Baguma. He added that journalists had also raised concerns over being denied access to cover the proceedings.
The ULS argued that live streaming would be consistent with the constitutional principles of access to justice, the rule of law and good governance.
It said broadcasting the proceedings would help curb speculation surrounding the trial, enhance public confidence in the Judiciary and support accurate, fair and responsible media reporting.