Besigye Argues Lawyers' Intimidation Hinders Access to Justice

Opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye has raised alarms in the High Court, asserting that he cannot achieve justice if the lawyers defending him are subjected to intimidation and obstruction. Besigye voiced these sentiments during proceedings before Justice Emmanuel Baguma regarding his human rights application against Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

“You have heard our lawyers are on the run and you are now advising us to assemble other lawyers who will not run because the person terrorising them is the accused,” Besigye stated, questioning the court’s directive to find new counsel when his legal team is allegedly facing harassment.

The court was asked to halt proceedings on an emergency application concerning legal representation and the security of defense lawyers. However, Justice Baguma ruled that the application would not stop the main human rights case.

Prior to this, the defense team, comprising approximately 50 advocates from 13 law firms led by Kenyan Senior Counsel Martha Karua and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, highlighted significant disruptions. According to Mr. Moses Tugume, one of the lawyers, the team’s effectiveness has been crippled by Karua being denied entry into Uganda and Lukwago’s alleged abduction and subsequent charges.

“Our lead counsel are not here. Martha was deported… and her deputy Lukwago was abducted shortly on his way to serve,” Tugume informed the court. He emphasized that clients insisted on a full defense team and required court intervention on issues of representation and counsel security before proceeding.

Despite these claims, the Attorney General’s Chambers opposed the stay, arguing that the applicants had time to secure alternative counsel and that the absence of specific lawyers should not halt proceedings. The case stems from allegations that Gen. Muhoozi made public statements threatening Besigye and prejudicing his trial.

Justice Baguma directed parties to file written submissions on the representation issue, with a ruling expected on July 8th, which will likely shape the path forward for the human rights application. The core of the application alleges that statements made by Gen. Muhoozi violated Besigye’s constitutional rights and his right to a fair trial. The respondents deny these allegations.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)