12 Law Firms Unite to Defend Besigye Amidst Legal Team Challenges

Opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Hajj Obeid Lutale, will now be represented by a powerful coalition of twelve Ugandan law firms. This legal alliance has filed a fresh human rights application at the High Court, asserting that recent events have compromised their clients’ constitutional right to a fair trial.

The application specifically targets the deportation of Kenyan Senior Counsel Martha Karua and the ongoing criminal proceedings against Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, both of whom were integral members of Besigye’s defence team.

The legal teams argue that these actions have disrupted the preparation for Besigye’s treason case and interfered with the fundamental right to choose legal representation. A sworn affidavit by advocate Muhindo Morgan suggests these actions are part of a deliberate strategy to obstruct the legal defence.

Court documents detail Karua’s detention at Entebbe International Airport on June 22, 2026, followed by her declaration as a prohibited immigrant and subsequent return to Kenya. The defence deems this decision unlawful and a direct impediment to their client’s legal rights.

Furthermore, the application challenges the prosecution of Lukwago, who faces charges of misprision of treason. The defence contends that these charges are being used to prevent a chosen lawyer from participating in the case, constituting an abuse of the court process.

The coalition is seeking various orders, including a declaration that Karua’s deportation was unlawful and an injunction to prevent future interference with her role. They also seek to halt Lukwago’s prosecution and obtain damages for the alleged violations of constitutional rights to legal representation and a fair hearing. The High Court is expected to schedule a date for hearing the application.

Source: Nile Post