The High Court in Kampala has directed court officials to provide detained opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Hajji Obeid Lutale, with a list of government-appointed lawyers after Besigye insisted he could not proceed without legal representation.
Justice Emmanuel Baguma issued the order during proceedings after Besigye told the court that beginning the trial without his lawyers would undermine his right to a fair hearing.
Besigye argued that he was left without legal representation after his lead counsel, Erias Lukwago, was reportedly unavailable and Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua was prevented from returning to Uganda. He maintained that continuing with the case under those circumstances would make it difficult for him to defend himself effectively.
The opposition politician also told the court he was concerned about receiving a fair trial, citing previous public remarks by President Yoweri Museveni regarding bail for suspects facing charges similar to his.
Despite the objection, the prosecution said it was ready to begin presenting its case. State prosecutor Richard Birivumbuka informed the court that the first prosecution witness was already available to testify.
Birivumbuka asked the court to consider assigning government-funded lawyers to Besigye and Lutale if they were unable to secure private legal counsel. He argued that Besigye had previously appeared in court with several advocates and that the trial should not be delayed indefinitely.
Justice Baguma ordered the registrar of the High Court to provide the accused with a list of state-appointed advocates so they could select legal representatives if necessary.
The judge also directed the prosecution to disclose all evidence it intends to rely on in the trial while the accused remain without lawyers, saying the material should be made available before proceedings resume.
The case was adjourned to Wednesday, July 15, 2026, when the court is expected to determine whether the accused have secured legal representation before the trial proceeds.
