The High Court in Kampala, presided over by Justice Emmanuel Baguma, has granted Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Hajj Obeid Lutale, two weeks to select state-funded lawyers to represent them in their treason trial.
During the court session, the accused were presented with a list of 786 state lawyers from which to choose legal representation. However, they declined to make an immediate selection, prompting the court to identify three lawyers—Sylvia Namawejje, Julius Sserwambala, and Sarah Awero—as potential representatives.
Dr. Besigye requested two weeks to assess the competence and suitability of the proposed lawyers before making a final decision.
His lawyer, Counsel Jatiko, supported the request, arguing that the accused should actively participate in choosing their legal representatives and suggesting that the process could reasonably be completed within a week.
State Attorney Julius Sserwambala informed the court that the two-week period requested by the accused would be sufficient to complete the selection process.
In his ruling, Justice Baguma directed that Dr. Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutale be allowed to meet the prospective lawyers.
He further ordered that the lawyers be granted access to the prosecution’s disclosures and evidence to enable them to prepare adequately for the defence.
The judge also directed the state lawyers to provide their curriculum vitae to the accused to help them make an informed choice.
Additionally, Justice Baguma ordered Luzira Prison authorities not to confiscate documents and other legal materials supplied to the accused, following Dr. Besigye’s complaint that prison officials had previously seized their property.
The case was adjourned to 29 July 2026, when the prosecution is expected to begin presenting its witnesses before the court.
By Edith Namwanje
15th July 2026
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