A coalition of 12 Ugandan law firms has filed a fresh human rights application before the High Court on behalf of opposition politician Col. (Rtd.) Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Hajj Obeid Lutale, alleging that recent actions against members of their legal team have violated their constitutional right to a fair hearing.
The application, filed on June 29, 2026, raises concerns over the deportation of Kenyan Senior Counsel Martha Karua and the prosecution of Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, both of whom are members of the defence team in the ongoing treason case.
According to court documents, the applicants argue that the actions taken against their lawyers have interfered with their ability to secure legal representation of their choice and have negatively affected preparations for their defence.
The legal team bringing the application comprises Lukwago & Co. Advocates, Nalukoola Advocates & Solicitors, Datum Advocates, Tugume Byensi & Co. Advocates, Kiiza & Mugisha Advocates, Matsiko, Wanda & Arinda Advocates, Abdallah Kiwanuka Associated Advocates, Arinaitwe Peter & Co. Advocates, Alaka & Co. Advocates, Kintu, Twinomugisha & Co. Advocates, Baraka Legal Associated Advocates and Alto Advocates.
In the application, the lawyers state that Martha Karua was detained upon her arrival at Entebbe International Airport on June 22 before being declared a prohibited immigrant and deported to Kenya. They contend that the decision was unlawful and amounted to interference with the applicants’ constitutional right to legal counsel.
The application also challenges the criminal charges brought against Erias Lukwago, who is facing allegations of misprision of treason. The defence argues that prosecuting one of the accused persons’ lawyers has prevented him from effectively participating in the case and undermined the applicants’ access to legal representation.
In a supporting affidavit, advocate Muhindo Morgan alleges that the measures taken against members of the defence team are part of a broader pattern intended to obstruct the applicants’ legal representation.
The application further cites public statements allegedly made by the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on his verified X account concerning Martha Karua’s deportation and the ongoing criminal proceedings against Dr. Besigye. The applicants argue that the statements undermine the constitutional presumption of innocence and interfere with judicial independence. These allegations remain untested and have not been determined by the court.
Among the remedies sought, the applicants ask the High Court to declare the decision barring Martha Karua from entering Uganda unlawful and to issue a permanent injunction preventing authorities from blocking her entry or interfering with her role as counsel in the case.
They are also seeking orders halting the prosecution of Erias Lukwago, arguing that the proceedings constitute an abuse of court process, as well as declarations that public statements allegedly prejudging the case violate their constitutional rights.
Additionally, the applicants are seeking general, aggravated and exemplary damages for what they describe as violations of their constitutional rights to legal representation and a fair hearing.
The High Court has not yet scheduled a hearing date for the application. The allegations contained in the application have been presented by the applicants and remain subject to determination by the court.
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