A coalition of 12 Ugandan law firms has joined forces to represent opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused Hajj Obeid Lutale in a fresh human rights application filed at the High Court on Monday, June 29, 2026.

The lawyers argue that recent actions targeting their defence team — including the deportation of Kenyan Senior Counsel Martha Karua and the prosecution of Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago — have undermined the accused persons’ constitutional right to a fair trial and legal representation of their choice.

The application follows the deportation of Karua, who was detained at Entebbe International Airport on June 22 and subsequently declared a prohibited immigrant before being returned to Kenya.

It also challenges criminal proceedings instituted against Lukwago, who faces charges of misprision of treason.

According to court documents, the defence team contends that these developments form part of a pattern designed to interfere with preparations for the ongoing treason case against Besigye and Lutale.

In a supporting affidavit, advocate Muhindo Morgan alleges the moves have compromised the applicants’ right to counsel.

The coalition brings together around 40 lawyers from prominent firms, including 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 and Co. Advocates, Alaka & Co. Advocates, Kintu, Twinomugisha & Co. Advocates, Baraka Legal Associated Advocates, and Alto Advocates.

Among the reliefs sought, the applicants want the court to declare Karua’s deportation unlawful and issue a permanent injunction restraining authorities from further blocking her entry or interfering with her work as counsel.

They are also asking the court to halt Lukwago’s prosecution, terming it an abuse of process, and to declare that public statements allegedly prejudging the case — including remarks attributed to Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba — violate the presumption of innocence and judicial independence.

The lawyers are further seeking general, aggravated, and exemplary damages for the alleged violations of their clients’ constitutional rights.

The High Court is yet to fix a hearing date for the application.

The development underscores growing concerns within Uganda’s legal fraternity over access to justice in politically sensitive cases.

Besigye, a longtime critic of the government and former presidential candidate, has been facing treason charges alongside Lutale.

This latest legal manoeuvre comes as the defence team seeks to safeguard the integrity of the judicial process amid heightened tensions.