news 31 July 2026 Nile Post
Besigye Trial 'Null and Void' Due to Court-Appointed Lawyers, Argues Eron Kiiza
Human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza contends that the treason trial against Dr. Kizza Besigye is legally invalid, citing a report from court-appointed lawyers indicating Besigye never instructed them and that essential documents are missing. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/360399/eron-kiiza-says-besigye-trial-is-null-and-void-over-court-appointed-lawyers
Human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza has asserted that the treason proceedings against opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye are fundamentally flawed and should be considered “null and void.” Kiiza’s argument hinges on a report compiled by lawyers appointed by the court, which he states confirms that Besigye never engaged their services. This situation, coupled with the defense team’s alleged lack of access to crucial prosecution documents, raises serious questions about the trial’s legitimacy.
Kiiza highlighted that the constitution guarantees an accused person the right to select their own legal counsel. He emphasized that no lawyer can be forced upon an individual who has the right to choose their representation. Furthermore, the court-appointed advocates themselves reportedly admitted in their report that they were still awaiting disclosure of evidence and had not received the indictment, casting doubt on their preparedness.
The right to choose one’s counsel, Kiiza argued, is not a discretionary privilege but a cornerstone of a fair trial. He concluded that any proceedings conducted under these circumstances, specifically referencing the testimony of prosecution witness Andy Wilson Orlando before Justice Emmanuel Baguma, are legally invalid.
The report in question was prepared by state brief advocates Sylvia Namawejje, Julius Sserwambala, and Sarah Awelo after a visit to Luzira Upper Prison. It indicated that neither Besigye nor his co-accused, Hajji Obeid Lutale, had provided them with instructions, asserting that they were still reviewing the list of appointed lawyers and that their period for selection had not expired.
This development comes shortly after Besigye collapsed in court and was subsequently hospitalized. When the trial resumed, court-appointed lawyer Sylvia Namawejje agreed with the defense that proceedings could not continue without the principal accused present, leading the judge to adjourn the case pending a medical report. The prosecution had pushed for the trial to proceed, citing the witness’s presence.