A coalition of 12 Ugandan law firms has joined forces to represent opposition leader Col. (Rtd.) Dr Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Hajj Obeid Lutale, in a fresh human rights application challenging actions they say have undermined the accused's constitutional right to a fair trial.
The application, filed before the High Court on June 29, 2026, follows the deportation of Kenyan Senior Counsel Martha Karua and the prosecution of Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, both members of the defence team.
According to the application, the lawyers contend that the actions taken against members of the legal team have interfered with the applicants' right to legal representation and compromised preparations for the ongoing treason proceedings.
The coalition comprises Lukwago & Co. Advocates, Nalukoola Advocates & Solicitors, Datum Advocates, Tugume Byensi & Co. Advocates, Kiiza & Mugisha Advocates, Matsiko, Wanda & Arinda Advocates, Abdallah Kiwanuka Associated Advocates, Arinaitwe Peter and Co. Advocates, Alaka & Co. Advocates, Kintu, Twinomugisha & Co. Advocates, Baraka Legal Associated Advocates and Alto Advocates.
Court documents state that Karua was detained upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport on June 22 before being declared a prohibited immigrant and returned to Kenya. The applicants argue that the decision was unlawful and interfered with their right to counsel.
The application also challenges the criminal proceedings instituted against Lukwago, who faces charges of misprision of treason. The defence argues that the prosecution has prevented one of the accused's chosen lawyers from participating in the case.
In a supporting affidavit, advocate Muhindo Morgan alleges that the actions taken against members of the defence team form part of a broader pattern intended to interfere with the applicants' legal representation.
The application further refers to public statements allegedly made by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba on his verified X account. According to the applicants, the statements included comments about Karua's deportation and remarks relating to the ongoing criminal proceedings against Besigye.
The applicants contend that such statements undermine the constitutional presumption of innocence and interfere with the independence of the judiciary. These allegations have not been determined by the court.
Among the orders sought, the applicants ask the High Court to declare the decision to block Karua's entry into Uganda unlawful and to issue a permanent injunction restraining authorities from preventing her entry or interfering with her work as counsel in the matter.
They also seek orders restraining the continued prosecution of Lukwago on grounds that the proceedings amount to an abuse of court process, as well as declarations that public statements allegedly prejudging the case violate the applicants' constitutional rights.
In addition, the applicants are seeking general, aggravated and exemplary damages for what they describe as violations of their constitutional right to legal representation and a fair hearing.
The High Court is yet to fix a date for hearing the application.
