Lawyers representing opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale in their treason case have formally withdrawn, citing arrests, intimidation and threats to the security of the defence team.
In a filing before the High Court Criminal Division, the lawyers said they ceased handling the case on July 15, 2026, after a series of incidents involving members of the legal team.
“Our colleague, Counsel Erias Lukwago, was arrested under circumstances which we firmly believe constitute political persecution,” the lawyers said, adding that although he was released on bail, he remains an accused person.
They also cited the June 22 deportation of Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua, their lead counsel, who they said was declared persona non grata, detained, deprived of her mobile phones and subjected to an “unwarranted invasion of her privacy by security personnel.”
“These events demonstrate that Advocates acting in the lawful discharge of their professional duties are exposed to an imminent risk of arrest, intimidation, and other forms of interference,” they said.
The lawyers said the situation made it “impossible and impracticable” for the original team to continue representing Besigye and Lutale.
They added that a June 16 letter from Karua to the Chief Justice and Attorney General raising their concerns had remained unanswered.
The filing also challenges an earlier court position that Besigye and Lutale remained represented because their lawyers were still formally on record.
“With the greatest respect, that finding does not accurately reflect the factual position,” the lawyers said.
They asked the court to formally record that they had ceased representing the two accused.
The development comes as legal representation becomes a key issue in the treason trial.
Uganda: Besigye, Lutale Lawyers Withdraw, Cite Arrests and ‘Serious Threats’
