Omanghana
Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye has rejected state-appointed defense lawyers in his high-profile treason case, insisting that he will not accept legal representation imposed by the government while his preferred attorneys remain unable to represent him.
Appearing before the High Court Criminal Division in Kampala, the 70-year-old veteran politician argued that the court-appointed legal aid process lacks transparency and that the proceedings against him cannot be considered fair under the current circumstances.
Besigye, one of President Yoweri Museveni’s longest-serving political rivals, maintained that he is prepared to proceed with the trial only if his chosen legal team is allowed to represent him without interference.
Besigye Rejects Court-Appointed Defense Panel
The controversy arose after Justice Emmanuel Baguma ordered that Besigye be provided with state-funded legal representation following the absence of his private legal team.
The court presented the opposition leader with a State Brief panel comprising 786 advocates eligible to provide legal aid.
However, Besigye declined the offer, arguing that the list contained only basic contact details and did not provide sufficient information about the lawyers’ qualifications, experience, or expertise to handle a complex treason case carrying the country’s most severe penalties.
He told the court that he could not make an informed decision based on a list that failed to demonstrate the competence of the proposed lawyers.
Chosen Legal Team Unable to Represent Him
Besigye’s refusal comes after members of his preferred legal team were unable to participate in the proceedings.
His lead lawyer, Erias Lukwago, the former Mayor of Kampala, was reportedly arrested by military authorities last month and remains detained at Luzira Prison, preventing him from appearing in court.
Another member of the defense team, prominent Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua, traveled to Uganda intending to join Besigye’s legal defense but was denied entry into the country by immigration authorities.
Besigye argues that these developments have effectively deprived him of legal representation of his own choosing.
He maintains that his original lawyers remain ready to defend him if they are allowed to do so without state interference.
Facing Treason Charges
Besigye and his co-accused, Hajji Obeid Lutale, are facing charges of treason, one of Uganda’s most serious criminal offenses.
Prosecutors allege that the two men participated in a plot to overthrow the Ugandan government.
If convicted, they could face the death penalty, making the case one of the highest-profile criminal proceedings in Uganda in recent years.
Both defendants have consistently denied the allegations.
Alleged Abduction From Kenya
Besigye has been in custody since late 2024, following what his supporters describe as an unlawful cross-border operation.
According to his legal team and political allies, the opposition leader was allegedly abducted in Nairobi, Kenya, before being transported back to Uganda without following formal extradition procedures.
The circumstances surrounding his return have drawn criticism from opposition groups and human rights advocates, who have questioned the legality of the operation and called for greater transparency.
Trial Amid Heightened Political Tensions
The treason case unfolds against a backdrop of increasing political tensions in Uganda as the country prepares for future elections.
President Yoweri Museveni, who has governed Uganda since 1986, remains one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
Observers have noted growing pressure on opposition politicians, civil society organizations, independent media, and legal practitioners in recent years. Attention has also focused on the expanding political influence of General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the president’s son and Uganda’s army chief, amid allegations of a broader crackdown on dissent.
Government officials have consistently maintained that law enforcement agencies operate independently and that criminal prosecutions are conducted in accordance with the law.
Court Adjourns Proceedings
Justice Baguma has granted Besigye two weeks to review the court-appointed legal aid panel or reconsider his position regarding legal representation.
The case has been adjourned until July 29, 2026, when proceedings are expected to resume.
For now, Besigye remains firm in his position that he will only proceed with lawyers of his own choosing, arguing that the right to select independent legal counsel is fundamental to ensuring a fair trial.
The upcoming hearing is expected to determine whether the court can resolve the dispute over legal representation before substantive proceedings in the treason case begin.
Source: Omanghana
