news 13 July 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
High Court Orders State to Assign Lawyers for Besigye's Treason Trial
The High Court has ruled that Dr. Kizza Besigye's treason trial will proceed, even if he and his co-accused cannot secure their preferred legal representation. Justice Emmanuel Baguma directed that lawyers be assigned through the State Brief scheme if necessary. Source: https://observer.ug/news/state-to-assign-lawyers-to-besigye-high-court-rules
A High Court ruling has mandated that the treason trial of opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused will continue, irrespective of their ability to retain counsel of their choice. Justice Emmanuel Baguma presided over the decision, which stipulates that legal representation will be provided under the State Brief scheme if the defendants remain unrepresented.
Dr. Besigye, alongside Hajj Obeid Lutale and Captain Denis Oola, appeared in court facing charges of treason related to alleged plots to overthrow the Ugandan government. Besigye had objected to the proceedings, citing his absence from prison against his will and denial of access to his chosen lawyers, Erias Lukwago and Martha Karua. He argued that this situation infringed upon his constitutional right to a fair hearing.
Besigye also raised concerns regarding previously withheld court documents and alleged that a letter he had written from Luzira Prison had not reached the court. He attempted to address remarks made by President Yoweri Museveni concerning “community justice,” but the judge deemed these irrelevant to the current proceedings.
Captain Oola similarly objected, stating he had insufficient notice of the trial and had not received crucial court rulings or adequate facilities to review prosecution evidence. The prosecution, represented by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Thomas Jatiko, argued that delays were prejudicial and that the accused might have waived their right to representation.
Justice Baguma acknowledged the constitutional right to legal representation but noted that a separate application regarding legal representation had not been assigned to his court and therefore could not halt the ongoing treason trial. He instructed the prosecution to furnish the accused with all disclosure materials immediately and ordered the court registrar to provide certified copies of proceedings and a list of State Brief advocates by Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
The judge further directed that if the accused did not select counsel from the provided list, the registrar would appoint lawyers on their behalf. The trial has been adjourned to July 15, 2026, at 11:00 am.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)