Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye protests trial fairness as lawyers are arrested

Opposition politician Kizza Besigye appeared before the High Court Criminal Division in Kampala and personally submitted concerns about procedural fairness in his treason and misprision of treason case. He urged the court to address issues such as insufficient time to prepare a defence, lack of legal counsel, and delayed disclosure of evidence, asking that these matters be resolved before the substantive hearing proceeds.

Besigye has also accused the Ugandan state of targeting members of his legal team. Lead defence lawyer Erias Lukwago was arrested at his home on June 15 and detained without public charge, while Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua was seized at Entebbe International Airport on June 22 and deported despite being present for Lukwago’s bail hearing. Other counsel reported a climate of intimidation. Amnesty International’s regional director called the actions unlawful and part of a pattern aimed at weakening Besigye’s defence. The developments occur amid Besigye’s broader legal battle against senior military officer Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, whom Besigye alleges issued death threats.