High Court Orders Luzira Prison to Grant Besigye’s Legal Team Expanded Access

The High Court in Kampala has directed Luzira Prison authorities to allow full and expanded access for the legal team of Dr. Kizza Besigye and co-accused Hajj Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya as they prepare for trial in a case involving charges that include treason.

The order, issued by Justice Emmanuel Baguma, permits the defense lawyers to meet their clients on weekdays, weekends, and public holidays in order to review state evidence and prepare their case.

The ruling follows objections from defense lawyers who told court that the one-week preparation period provided by the state was inadequate given the volume of evidence they are required to examine.

Justice Baguma directed prison authorities to facilitate unrestricted lawyer-client consultations, emphasizing the need to ensure adequate preparation time for the defense team before the trial proceeds.

The court’s decision effectively expands the usual access arrangements for the accused, allowing their lawyers to work more closely with them in reviewing prosecution evidence.

Defense lawyers argued before court that the time granted to them by the state was insufficient to properly analyze the large amount of material in the case file.

They maintained that adequate preparation time is essential to ensure a fair trial, particularly in a case involving serious charges and extensive evidence.

The court appeared to agree with these concerns, prompting the directive for expanded access to the accused.

The order applies to Dr. Kizza Besigye, a veteran opposition leader and four-time presidential candidate, and his co-accused Hajj Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya.

Both are facing ongoing legal proceedings in a case that has attracted significant public attention due to the prominence of the individuals involved.

The proceedings are taking place at the High Court in Kampala, while the accused remain in custody at Luzira Prison pending trial.

Luzira Prison authorities are now required to comply with the court’s directive and facilitate the increased access for defense consultations.

With the court granting expanded access, the defense team is expected to begin intensive review of prosecution evidence ahead of upcoming trial sessions.

Court also ordered the prosecution to immediately serve defense lawyers with case documents in the ongoing trial after officials failed to comply with earlier court directives.

The case remains ongoing, and all charges against the accused, including treason, remain allegations that are yet to be proven in court.

Read Next Article