The high-profile treason case against opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye has ground to a halt, as a legal standoff over his choice of lawyers blocks further court proceedings.
The development follows Besigye’s refusal to accept alternative legal representation after the arrest of Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and the deportation of Kenyan advocate Martha Karua.
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) President Isaac Ssemakadde now says the court cannot move forward until it determines whether the State unlawfully interfered with Besigye’s right to choose his legal team.
The issue has quickly evolved from a routine procedural matter into a major constitutional question with far-reaching implications.
“The court is stuck. It cannot proceed with Kizza Besigye’s bail or trial until it rules on one key question: Can the State forcefully replace his chosen lawyers?” Ssemakadde stated.
At the center of the dispute is Besigye’s insistence that only Lukwago and Karua can represent him. Lukwago remains in custody facing misprision of treason charges, while Karua was recently deported back to Kenya under circumstances that have sparked regional attention and legal scrutiny.
Ssemakadde outlined two possible outcomes, both of which point to a prolonged legal battle. If the court finds that the State violated Besigye’s fair trial rights, proceedings could stall indefinitely, forcing authorities to either allow Karua’s return or agree on legal representation acceptable to the accused.
“If YES, proceedings stall. The State is forced to either allow Karua back or find a truly acceptable alternative,” he explained.
However, if the court rules in favor of the State, the trial could proceed with newly assigned lawyers—though that path is unlikely to bring swift resolution.
“If NO, the trial proceeds with new lawyers, but expect appeals and constitutional petitions that drag this out for months,” Ssemakadde added.