Uganda treason trial of opposition leader opens without main lawyers

The treason trial of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye opened without his main defence lawyers after they were arrested or barred from the country.

Besigye, who ran multiple times for the presidency against President Yoweri Museveni, was taken from Kenya in late 2024 and brought back to Uganda to face treason charges. He says the charges are politically motivated.

His main lawyer, Erias Lukwago, is in jail after being seized by the army last month, according to the source. Another lead lawyer, Kenyan politician Martha Karua, was barred from entering Uganda when she flew in last month to represent him.

Besigye told the court that he believed the trial would not be fair, saying his rights had been abused and laws were not being followed. He said he no longer wished to be part of the proceedings. He also said the absence of his lawyers had been caused by the state and accused the state of abusing the process.

The judge said Besigye would be able to choose from a list of state lawyers. If he does not choose, lawyers will be selected for him.

Besigye initially faced a court martial, but the case was later moved to a civilian court after the Supreme Court ruled that trying civilians in military courts was unconstitutional. The civilian trial had been set to start in September 2025, but there were long delays because the state presented evidence only in June.

Besigye has also argued that he is being illegally denied bail and medical treatment. In a July 4 speech, Museveni said arrested opposition figures may not get bail because they threaten the security of witnesses. He also said the conduct of some opposition elements had provoked security forces.

The AFP report said Uganda has seen mounting political repression in recent months, including army arrests of opposition figures and lawyers and the closure of a major media group. It also said Museveni, 81, has taken a backseat since winning a seventh election in January, while his son, army chief General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has exerted increasing control.

Besigye's trial is due to resume on Wednesday.