Besigye sues Gen. Muhoozi over alleged interference with legal team

Opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye, alongside co-accused Hajji Obeid Lutale, has initiated a new legal challenge in the High Court. The lawsuit targets the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and the Attorney General, asserting that actions against their legal counsel have violated fundamental constitutional rights.

This fresh application, filed on June 29, 2026, seeks declaratory orders, injunctions, and aggravated damages. It is distinct from an ongoing human rights enforcement case filed by Besigye and Lutale concerning their alleged abduction, torture, and military detention.

The core of the new suit revolves around the June 22 deportation of prominent Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua and the subsequent prosecution of Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, both integral members of Besigye’s defence team.

Court documents indicate that Karua, holding a valid Ugandan practicing certificate, was detained upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport. Despite her delegation being allowed entry, Karua was reportedly held, had her phones confiscated, and was subsequently declared a prohibited immigrant before being deported back to Nairobi.

The applicants argue that the designation of ‘persona non grata’ is not a legally recognized basis for excluding a private individual under Ugandan law. They further contend that the confiscation of Karua’s mobile phones constituted an obstruction of confidential lawyer-client communications.

Additionally, the application challenges the arrest and prosecution of Erias Lukwago on charges of misprision of treason, arguing these proceedings are directly linked to his role as defence counsel.

In a sworn affidavit, advocate Muhindo Morgan described these actions as a deliberate strategy to impede the applicants’ choice of legal representation. He stated that the pattern suggests an attempt to block, deport, or intimidate lawyers who are essential to the defence, particularly when criminal charges cannot be fabricated against them.

The applicants also point to public statements allegedly made by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba on his social media account. These statements reportedly included claims of responsibility for Karua’s deportation, commentary on Lukwago’s detention, and assertions of Besigye’s guilt, undermining the presumption of innocence and judicial independence.

The legal team, comprising over ten Ugandan law firms, is requesting the High Court to declare that their constitutional rights have been violated, to prevent further interference with their legal representation, and to award damages.

The High Court is yet to schedule a hearing date for this matter. (Source: Nile Post)