Politics 29 July 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
High Court Denies Besigye's Bid to Halt Treason Trial Over Lawyer Dispute
The High Court Criminal Division has dismissed an application to halt the treason trial of Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, despite objections over legal representation. Justice Emmanuel Baguma ruled that the trial will proceed with court-appointed lawyers, while the accused pursue their own legal counsel. Source: https://observer.ug/news/justice-baguma-declines-to-halt-besigye-treason-trial-over-state-lawyers-dispute
High Court Judge, Justice Emmanuel Baguma, has refused to suspend the treason trial involving opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-defendants, Hajji Obeid Lutale and retired Capt. Denis Oola. The decision came despite a heated courtroom exchange where Besigye vehemently objected to the trial proceeding without lawyers of his choice.
During the proceedings, Besigye voiced strong objections, questioning the court’s readiness to commence the hearing before addressing an application for a stay of proceedings. He emphasized the constitutional right to legal representation and expressed dissatisfaction with the court-appointed advocates, stating they had not properly consulted with him or Lutale.
While Capt. Oola confirmed consultation with the court-appointed lawyers and indicated they would proceed alongside his privately retained counsel, Besigye and Lutale reiterated their stance. Besigye explained that they had filed an application challenging aspects of the legal representation process, and its outcome could potentially resolve the need for state-funded lawyers.
He further detailed efforts to select private lawyers from a judiciary-provided list, citing challenges in obtaining relevant experience profiles for many candidates. Besigye argued that the gravity and complexity of the charges necessitated experienced legal representation.
Justice Baguma, in his ruling, acknowledged the objections but found no legal impediment to starting the trial. He noted that the accused had been given ample time to secure their own lawyers and that several advocates and law firms remained officially on record for the defense. The judge clarified that while the court respects the ongoing application for a stay, it does not preclude the commencement of the criminal proceedings.
Justice Baguma directed that the three court-appointed advocates would continue to represent the accused, ensuring compliance with the constitutional mandate for legal representation in capital offenses. However, he emphasized that Besigye and Lutale remain free to engage private counsel at any point during the trial.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)