The Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court has ordered, on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, that opposition leader Tundu Lissu be brought physically to court on May 19, 2025. The court also invited members of the public to attend the proceedings.
The ruling was made by Senior Resident Magistrate Geofrey Mhini, a decision that Lissu’s defense team argued has preserved the court’s integrity.
“We invited the court to be greater. It was not an easy decision, it was a decision that required the courage of the Court. We are grateful the Court listened to us,” said Advocate Peter Kibatala.
Since April 24, 2025, Tundu Lissu has been boycotting virtual hearings by refusing to appear and was planning a hunger strike to demand his day in court.
Over the weekend, Lissu’s lawyers broke down in tears over their client’s mistreatment, citing limited access, the use of virtual hearings, and police enforcement of the closure of court proceedings to the public by denying access to the courtroom.
The lawyers addressed the press following unprecedented comments from government officials; the Minister of Home Affairs and the Attorney General, who both supported the court’s use of virtual hearings. The Minister of Home Affairs, Innocent Bashungwa, said the virtual format was necessary due to security concerns, while the Attorney General emphasized that all procedures in Lissu’s case were being properly followed.
Lissu is facing two court cases: one for publishing false information, under Magistrate Geofrey Mhini, and another for treason, overseen by Principal Resident Magistrate-in-Charge Franco Kiswaga.
