Proceedings in the High Court on Wednesday involving opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye were repeatedly interrupted after he objected to the handling of his case, insisting the trial could not continue without lawyers of his own choosing.
Besigye is jointly charged with Hajj Obeid Lutale and Capt. Denis Oola Ooya over allegations of treason dating back to 2024. The case is being heard before Justice Emmanuel Baguma.
The hearing was delayed for several hours as Besigye repeatedly challenged the court’s decisions, raising his voice and banging on a courtroom table while arguing that the proceedings violated his constitutional rights.
He told the court he could not accept a trial moving forward without legal representatives he had personally selected, maintaining that he had not been given adequate opportunity to consult lawyers appointed earlier this month.
On July 15, the court assigned Sylvia Namawejje, Sarah Awere and Serwambala Julius to represent Besigye and his co-accused. Besigye argued that the lawyers had not met him since their appointment and therefore could not effectively prepare his defence.
He also questioned the court’s handling of the case, accusing it of disregarding the law and undermining constitutional protections. Besigye said he would continue opposing any process he believes is inconsistent with the rule of law.
Throughout the hearing, he insisted that the legal process should respect an accused person’s right to independent legal representation, arguing that fairness could not be achieved otherwise.
After several hours of disruptions, court officials removed Besigye from the courtroom and took him to a medical facility for treatment.
Besigye has previously maintained that actions taken against some of his preferred legal team, including the arrest of Kampala lawyer Erias Lukwago and the deportation of Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua, have hindered his ability to secure legal representation from advocates he trusts and who are familiar with his case.
The court had not concluded the day’s proceedings by the time Besigye was taken away for medical attention.
