KAMPALA, Uganda — A coalition of 12 Ugandan law firms has formed a joint legal team to represent opposition politician Kizza Besigye and his co-accused Hajj Obeid Lutale in a human rights application before the High Court in Kampala.
The legal team announced its formation on Monday as Besigye appeared before the Civil Division of the High Court to pursue an application challenging what his lawyers describe as actions that undermine his constitutional right to a fair hearing.
According to the lawyers, the application seeks declarations and remedies over alleged interference with the defence team and the conduct of proceedings arising from the criminal case in which Besigye and Lutale face treason charges.
During Monday’s proceedings, the defence asked the court to suspend the matter, arguing that developments affecting members of the legal team had compromised their ability to effectively represent the applicants. However, the court declined the request and instead directed both parties to file written submissions before a ruling is made.
Besigye personally addressed the court during the proceedings, raising concerns about what he described as attempts to intimidate or frustrate his legal representation. Video footage of his submission was shared by local broadcasters, including NBS Television, as supporters gathered outside the court.
The coalition of 12 law firms said it had come together to strengthen Besigye’s defence and demonstrate solidarity with advocates representing him and Lutale.
The human rights application is separate from the substantive criminal proceedings in which Besigye is accused of treason. The charges stem from events following his arrest in Kenya in late 2025 and his subsequent transfer to Uganda, an incident that generated legal and diplomatic debate over the circumstances of his return.
Besigye has consistently denied the allegations against him and has maintained that the prosecution is politically motivated. The Ugandan government has rejected those claims, insisting that the case is being handled in accordance with the law.
The High Court is expected to consider the written submissions before delivering a ruling on the human rights application, while the criminal proceedings against Besigye and Lutale continue separately.
Under Uganda’s Constitution, every accused person is entitled to legal representation and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a competent court of law.