Muhoozi has not interfered with Besigye trial, High court rules

What the report says

High Court Judge Simon Peter Kinobe has ruled that Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, did not unlawfully interfere with the treason trial of opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye and co-accused Obeid Lutale. The decision, reported by The Observer, came after the pair challenged the deportation of their lawyer, senior counsel Martha Karua, and the detention of another lawyer, Erias Lukwago, saying both events undermined their right to legal representation.

In the 42-page ruling delivered on Tuesday, Kinobe found that Besigye and Lutale had not shown a sufficient link between those incidents and any substantial denial of a fair hearing. He noted that the two had continued to be represented by a large team of lawyers and that the trial court had repeatedly adjourned proceedings to help them reorganize their defence. The judge also said the court had made arrangements for state brief lawyers if the accused wished to use that option.

On Karua’s exclusion from Uganda, Kinobe said the challenge to the immigration decision should have been brought through judicial review rather than the constitutional application used in this case. He added that remote participation rules can, in some situations, help lawyers take part in proceedings, though that does not remove the broader constitutional right to counsel of choice.

The application was dismissed without costs. Besigye, Lutale and Captain Denis Oola are due back before the Criminal Division on August 18, 2026, when the court is expected to consider a medical report on whether Besigye is fit to stand trial.