Kampala — The High Court has granted opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye and his co-petitioner, Hajj Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, time to appoint new lawyers after two members of their legal team became unavailable to continue with their human rights case.
Justice Emmanuel Baguma issued the directive on Tuesday after hearing an application seeking a stay of proceedings in a petition filed against Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Col. Peter Ahimbisibwe, Lt. Col. Ephraim Byaruhanga and the Attorney General.
The applicants had asked the court to halt proceedings, arguing that the matter could not continue without senior lawyers Erias Lukwago and Martha Karua, whom they described as central to their legal representation.
Mr Lukwago is currently admitted to Mulago National Referral Hospital while facing separate criminal proceedings, while Ms Karua, a Kenyan Senior Counsel, was denied entry into Uganda last month after arriving to join Dr Besigye’s defence team.
Lawyers representing Gen. Muhoozi opposed the application, arguing that the petitioners had a large legal team and could appoint other advocates to proceed with the case.
Justice Baguma granted the request for a temporary stay and directed the petitioners to reconstitute their legal team before the matter resumes. The court also directed them to file a rejoinder to responses already filed by the respondents.
Addressing the court, Dr Besigye argued that the absence of his lawyers reflected broader concerns about his ability to secure legal representation.
“We did not have lawyers in the process leading up to today. Our lawyers are on the run. You are now advising us to assemble others who are also on the run because the person terrorising them is the accused,” Dr Besigye told the court.
He maintained that the prevailing circumstances made it difficult for him to obtain independent legal representation.
The petition stems from allegations by Dr Besigye and Mr Lutale that their constitutional rights were violated during their arrest, detention and treatment while in custody. They are seeking declarations that their rights were infringed, as well as other remedies from the court.
The case has attracted public attention following the deportation of Ms Karua after her arrival at Entebbe International Airport in June and the arrest of Mr Lukwago, who is currently receiving treatment at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
The matter was adjourned to allow the petitioners to appoint new counsel before the hearing proceeds.