Politics 13 July 2026 Nile Post
Besigye Arrives in Court in Handcuffs, Claims Duress, Lacks Legal Representation
Dr. Kizza Besigye appeared in handcuffs before the High Court without his lawyers, stating he was brought under duress. The prosecution argued that the repeated absence of defense counsel has delayed the treason trial and requested the court to proceed, suggesting Besigye has waived his right to choose his representation. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/355804/besigye-says-he-was-brought-to-court-under-duress
Opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye presented a dramatic scene at the High Court, arriving in handcuffs and without his legal team. He informed Justice Emmanuel Baguma that he and co-accused Hajj Obeid Lutale had been brought to court “under duress.”
Besigye highlighted significant concerns regarding their legal representation, access to prosecution disclosures, and court records, asserting these issues must be resolved before the treason trial could commence. He also mentioned pending applications challenging these difficulties and alluded to President Museveni’s recent statements relating to the case, suggesting they impacted the prospect of a fair trial.
Adding to the procedural challenges, Capt. Denis Oola stated he only learned of the day’s hearing that morning and had not informed his lawyers due to lack of prior notice. Prison authorities, represented by Assistant Superintendent Emmanuel Tuhirwe, indicated that inmate correspondence undergoes a verification process, without immediate confirmation of a specific letter being withheld.
The prosecution, led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Richard Birivumbuka, countered that the defense’s persistent absence of lawyers was a deliberate tactic to delay the proceedings. They noted that over 25 advocates remained on record for Besigye and Lutale, urging the court to consider this a waiver of their right to chosen representation and to allow the trial to move forward. The prosecution also dismissed the relevance of presidential statements or pending human rights applications as grounds for further delay.
Besigye rejected the prosecution’s claims, reiterating that prison restrictions prevented them from accessing vital documents, even though their lawyers had received disclosures. He argued that the prosecution itself had caused delays by completing disclosures in June, long after investigations had concluded. The court was expected to rule on the raised preliminary issues before determining the path for the treason case.
Source: Nile Post