Lawyer Male Mabirizi Kiwanuka has sparked fresh controversy after accusing the legal team representing opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye of neglecting fellow detainees while frequently visiting their client at Luzira Upper Prison.
In a statement shared on X, Mabirizi claimed that lawyers led by prominent advocates Martha Karua and Erias Lukwago have reportedly visited Besigye “over 50 times” at Luzira, but have allegedly not taken time to check on him and another lawyer held at Murchison Bay Prison.
“Besigye lawyers have visited Besigye over 50 times at Luzira Upper Prison, but have not found any single time to pass by Murchison Bay where I & another lawyer are held,” Mabirizi stated.
He suggested that the absence of visits had broader implications for legal coordination among defence teams handling politically sensitive cases, arguing that it had contributed to what he termed “strategic errors” in court.
“No wonder, since my arrest, the team has made many strategic errors, which have given Judge Baguma a great opportunity to continue with his judicial fraud,” he added, without providing specific details or court references to support the allegation.
Mabirizi’s remarks appear to be directed at Justice Ssemogerere Baguma, who has presided over several high-profile politically charged cases in Uganda’s judiciary.
However, the lawyer did not cite particular rulings or proceedings in his statement.
The comments come amid ongoing legal battles involving Besigye, whose defence team has consistently drawn attention due to its mix of local and regional legal figures.
Karua, a Kenyan senior counsel and former Justice Minister, and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago have been part of the legal representation in various stages of the proceedings.
Mabirizi, who is currently facing separate legal challenges linked to charges related to his public commentary and use of digital platforms, has frequently used public statements to criticise state institutions, court processes, and fellow legal practitioners.