Justice Baguma declines to halt Besigye treason trial over state lawyers dispute

What the report says

The Observer reports that Uganda’s High Court Criminal Division has refused to pause the treason trial of opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye and co-accused Hajji Obeid Lutale and retired Capt Denis Oola. In a Wednesday ruling, Justice Emmanuel Baguma said the case should proceed with three court-appointed lawyers — Sylvia Namawejje, Julius Sserwambala and Sarah Awelo — remaining on record, while the accused may still hire lawyers of their preferred choice.

According to the report, the hearing became tense after Besigye objected to the trial starting before a separate application on legal representation and a request to stay proceedings had been resolved. Besigye argued that he and Lutale had not accepted the state brief lawyers, had concerns about their experience in complex criminal matters, and needed time to choose advocates from the Judiciary’s approved list. The three appointed lawyers said Besigye and Lutale declined to meet them at Luzira Prison, while Oola consulted them but said they would work alongside his private lawyers.

Prosecutors Thomas Jatiko and Richard Birivumbuka said they were ready to call the first witness and argued that the case should not be delayed further. Besigye countered that delays were caused by the State, including earlier proceedings before the General Court Martial that were later nullified, and said fairness should not be sacrificed for speed.

Justice Baguma found no legal basis to stop the trial, saying the accused had been given time to secure private counsel and that several lawyers and law firms remained formally on record. He said mandatory representation applies in capital cases, but added that future decisions in the pending application would be respected. The court also confirmed three assessors to take oath before proceedings continue.