Besigye's Lawyer Urges Court-Appointed Advocates to Refuse Brief

Eron Kiiza, the lead lawyer for opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye, has strongly advised court-appointed advocates against representing Besigye and his co-accused, Hajj Obeid Lutale. Kiiza argues that accepting the state’s offer violates the accused individuals’ constitutional right to choose their own legal representation.

In a detailed four-page letter addressed to Sarah Awero, Sylvia Namawejje, and Julius Sserwambala, Kiiza characterized the court’s decision as an attempt to impose lawyers on clients who have explicitly rejected them. He emphasized that the right to choose counsel is fundamental and rests solely with the accused, not the state or the court.

Kiiza’s letter was prompted by a recent High Court ruling where Justice Emmanuel Baguma ordered the Registrar to provide a list of state-brief advocates. This decision followed a prosecution complaint about repeated delays in the treason trial due to the accused appearing without legal representation.

The lawyer stressed that an advocate-client relationship is built on consent and trust, not on court mandates. He warned that accepting the brief against the wishes of Besigye and Lutale would constitute grave professional misconduct and legitimize what he describes as an unfair trial.

Kiiza also alluded to previous challenges faced by Besigye’s preferred legal team, including the deportation of Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua and the prosecution of Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, suggesting that the current situation is part of a pattern to obstruct the accused’s choice of counsel.

He urged the appointed advocates to show solidarity with the legal fraternity and decline the assignment, warning that accepting it could undermine the independence of the legal profession and lead to disciplinary action. Kiiza concluded by encouraging the lawyers to return the brief with “quiet dignity,” understanding that some appointments should not be accepted.

It remains to be seen whether the three appointed lawyers will heed Kiiza’s counsel, as the High Court has yet to rule on the defense’s objections.

Source: Nile Post