Former Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura has criticised Wednesday’s court proceedings involving Dr Kizza Besigye, terming the events a “complete mockery of the law” after the opposition leader rejected state-appointed lawyers.
Besigye declined to be represented by government-selected legal counsel during his appearance before Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Baguma, maintaining that he has a constitutional right to choose his own lawyers.
The court had assigned state attorneys Sylvia Namawejje, Julius Serwambala and Sarah Awere following disruptions within his defence team.
In her remarks, Nyanjura faulted the judiciary for proceeding with what she described as forced legal representation.
“What transpired in Court today is a complete mockery of the law. Forcing a historical leader like Dr. Kizza Besigye to be ‘represented’ by state-appointed lawyers that he has never met, after his actual defense team was systematically targeted, jailed, and deported is the absolute lowest point for our judiciary,” she said.
She accused the court of denying Besigye a fair hearing, arguing that the absence of his preferred legal team undermines the integrity of the trial.
“A trial cannot be fair when the judge comfortably strips away the basic constitutional right to legal representation. Absolute shame!” Nyanjura added.
Besigye has consistently opposed representation by state lawyers, citing concerns over independence in a case where the state is the complainant.
His stance has remained unchanged since earlier proceedings, where he also rejected similar arrangements.
The case continues to attract attention from opposition figures and legal observers, particularly over the handling of the defence team and the conduct of the trial.
Concerns have been raised about whether the proceedings meet constitutional standards on the right to legal representation.