Politics 24 June 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Uganda State Targets Besigye's Lawyers, Karua and Lukwago, Amidst Treason Case
The Ugandan state has taken significant actions against prominent lawyers Martha Karua and Erias Lukwago, who are representing Dr. Kizza Besigye in a treason case, raising questions about the government's legal strategies and fears of opposition influence. Source: https://observer.ug/news/why-the-state-fears-karua-lukwago
In a swift and conspicuous series of events, the Ugandan state has targeted key legal figures representing Dr. Kizza Besigye, who faces treason and misprision of treason charges. Within a week, Erias Lukwago, former Kampala Lord Mayor and a senior lawyer for Besigye, was apprehended by military personnel and subsequently charged with misprision of treason. His arrest followed shortly after General Muhoozi Kainerugaba publicly acknowledged his custody.
Adding to the pressure, Martha Karua, Kenya’s former Justice Minister and Besigye’s lead counsel since 2024, was denied entry into Uganda and deported. Karua has been instrumental in Besigye’s defense, having represented him in court on numerous occasions after an alleged abduction incident in Kenya.
Sources suggest that the state felt increasingly threatened by the assertive legal representation provided by both Karua and Lukwago. It is alleged that Dr. Besigye was informally offered a path to bail on the condition that he dismiss his lawyers, a proposition he reportedly refused.
The recent actions are believed to have been intensified by the court’s decision to hear Besigye’s application alleging human rights violations stemming from his alleged abduction from Kenya. This application named high-ranking military officials, including Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, marking a significant escalation.
The state’s perceived discomfort with Karua stems from her authoritative legal presence, while Lukwago is seen as too politically vocal. The government’s desire for a swift conclusion to Besigye’s case, potentially through expedited military court proceedings, appears to be a driving factor behind these assertive measures against his defense team.
Karua, who has personally funded her extensive travel and accommodation for nearly two years to support Besigye’s legal battles, represents a significant network of African leaders advocating for democracy. Her deportation and Lukwago’s arrest signal a firm stance by the Ugandan authorities against what they perceive as disruptive legal opposition. This development underscores the high stakes involved in Dr. Besigye’s ongoing legal proceedings.