Besigye lawyers walk out after Court proceeds without Karua
Besigye, who is facing treason charges alongside Hajj Lutale and UPDF Captain Denis Oola
Lawyers representing opposition figure Kizza Besigye walked out of a Ugandan court on Friday after the magistrate ruled that proceedings would continue without his lead counsel, Martha Karua, who was absent during the hearing at Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court.
Besigye, who is facing treason charges alongside Hajj Lutale and UPDF Captain Denis Oola, appeared in court following a production order issued on May 22.
The charges accuse him of organising meetings in Switzerland, Greece, and Kenya between 2023 and November last year, allegedly to plot the overthrow of the government.
He is also accused of seeking military, financial,l and logistical support to remove President Museveni’s administration.
"Our lawyers don’t have instructions from us to proceed in the absence of Martha Karua," Besigye told the court.
However, the prosecution opposed the request for adjournment, arguing the case could not be delayed to suit Karua’s schedule.
"She never even told the court she is a resident of Nairobi," the prosecutor said, adding that the other lawyers were sufficient to continue.
Despite protests from the defence, the magistrate ruled that the trial proceed, citing sufficient legal basis to halt the case.
In response, Besigye’s lawyers walked out of the courtroom, calling the ruling a violation of their client’s right to a fair hearing and legal representation of his choosing
