Jailed Former presidential candidate Col. (Rtd.) Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused Hajji Obeid Lutale have filed a fresh application before the High Court targeting Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and the Attorney General, accusing state-linked actions of undermining their constitutional right to a fair defence in their ongoing treason case.
The application, lodged on June 29, 2026, seeks declaratory orders, permanent injunctions, and aggravated damages. It is filed separately from an existing human rights enforcement suit in which the applicants challenge their alleged abduction from Nairobi, torture claims, and prolonged military detention.
At the centre of the new petition are allegations surrounding the deportation of Kenyan Senior Counsel Martha Karua and the prosecution of Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, both of whom are part of Besigye’s defence team.
According to court filings, Karua—who is said to hold valid authority to appear before Ugandan courts—was intercepted at Entebbe International Airport on June 22, detained, had her communication devices confiscated, and was later declared a prohibited immigrant before being deported back to Nairobi.
The applicants argue that the “persona non grata” designation has no legal basis under Uganda’s immigration framework and further contend that the seizure of her phones interfered with privileged lawyer-client communication, directly compromising the right to legal representation.
They also challenge the arrest and prosecution of Lukwago on charges of misprision of treason, arguing that the proceedings are linked to his role in the defence team and amount to interference with counsel.
In a supporting affidavit, advocate Muhindo Morgan alleges a coordinated effort to frustrate the defence, stating that lawyers are being “blocked, deported, or intimidated” in a pattern designed to weaken representation.
The filing further references alleged public statements attributed to Gen. Muhoozi on social media, which the applicants say include claims of responsibility for Karua’s deportation, commentary on Lukwago’s arrest, declarations of Besigye’s guilt, and remarks interpreted as advocating extreme punitive measures.
They argue that such statements violate the constitutional presumption of innocence and risk undermining judicial independence and the fairness of ongoing proceedings before the High Court of Uganda.
The coalition of more than 10 law firms behind the application, including Lukwago & Co. Advocates and Nalukoola Advocates, is seeking court declarations that the applicants’ rights have been violated, alongside orders restraining further interference with their legal team.
The High Court has not yet scheduled a hearing date.
