The high court has directed that Dr Kizza Besigye and his co-accused be given the option of state-appointed legal representation, in a move aimed at addressing delays that have stalled proceedings in the high-profile case.
Presiding judge Emmanuel Baguma issued the directive during a Monday court session, citing repeated adjournments linked to concerns over the accused persons’ legal representation.
“The accused persons have been represented by counsel of their choice since day one. However, due to subsequent concerns arising regarding legal representation, the matter has experienced several adjournments,” Baguma stated in court.
He added that the decision was grounded in Article 28(3)(e) of Uganda’s Constitution, which guarantees the right to legal representation.
Under the directive, the court registrar will provide Besigye and his co-accused with a list of lawyers on the state’s criminal panel.
“Pursuant to Article 28(3) (e) of the Constitution, the Court has directed the Registrar to provide the accused persons with a list of State Brief lawyers on the criminal panel, from which they may select counsel to represent them,” the judge ruled.
Baguma further clarified that if the accused fail to choose from the list, the registrar will proceed to appoint legal counsel on their behalf to ensure the case moves forward.
“Should the accused fail to make a selection, the Registrar is ordered to appoint counsel on their behalf,” he said.
The ruling signals the court’s intention to avoid further delays in a case that has drawn significant political and public attention, particularly given Besigye’s stature as a long-time opposition figure in Uganda.
The matter was subsequently adjourned to Wednesday, July 15, 2026, when proceedings are expected to resume under the new legal framework outlined by the court.
The directive comes amid ongoing debate over fair trial rights and judicial independence, with legal observers closely monitoring how the appointment of state brief lawyers could impact the conduct and perception of the trial moving forward.