Lawyer Eron Kiiza has sharply criticised President Yoweri Museveni over claims that Dr. Kizza Besigye is refusing to stand trial, instead accusing the state of frustrating the opposition leader’s ability to prepare his defence.
The response follows Museveni’s Saturday night national address, where he alleged that Besigye had deliberately delayed proceedings by avoiding court and using legal tactics to stall justice.
However, Kiiza dismissed the claims as misleading, arguing that the delays stem from restrictions imposed on the defence.
“Who is misleading and misinforming you?” Kiiza posed in a pointed attack directed at the President, questioning the accuracy of the assertions made during the address.
At the centre of Kiiza’s response is the issue of access to legal representation and evidence.
He revealed that Besigye has not been fully allowed to consult his lawyers on material disclosed by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
According to Kiiza, Uganda Prisons only partially approved access for legal defence preparation on June 29, 2026, a development he says has significantly slowed progress in the case.
“How can a fair trial proceed under such conditions?” Kiiza questioned, raising concerns about adherence to due process.
The lawyer further made serious allegations against the state, claiming that members of Besigye’s legal team have faced intimidation, threats, and even deportation.
He argued that such actions have created an environment that undermines the defence’s ability to operate effectively.
Kiiza also pointed to public remarks by senior government figures, warning that such statements risk pre-judging the case and compromising the principle of a fair hearing.
Museveni, however, maintained that Besigye has spent nearly two years avoiding trial, insisting that appearing in court would give him the opportunity to challenge the charges.