Uganda opposition leader Besigye's treason trial stalls over lack of lawyers

Ugandan opposition veteran Kizza Besigye’s treason trial began without his primary defence team after his lead lawyer Erias Lukwago was detained and Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua was barred from entering the country. Besigye told the court, “We know this trial won’t be fair. Our rights have been abused and laws are not followed,” and argued the proceedings should not start without proper representation.

High Court Justice Emmanuel Baguma subsequently ordered the state’s Criminal Division to provide government‑funded lawyers for Besigye and co‑accused Hajji Obeid Lutale, citing the constitutional right to counsel in offences punishable by death or life imprisonment. The court will present a list of state‑appointed lawyers for the defendants to choose from, or appoint them if no selection is made, before the substantive hearing can continue.