Defence lawyers representing opposition politician, Kizza Besigye and his aide Hajj Obeid Lutale stormed out of Nakawa Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, May 23, 2025, after the court chose to proceed without their lead counsel, Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua.

The legal team told the magistrate that continuing the case without Counsel Karua was unfair and against the law. They said the accused have a right to be represented by a lawyer of their own choice.

“Our client does not want the case to go on without his lead lawyer. We ask that court waits until May 29, when she will be present,” Erias Lukwago said.

Another lawyer, Kiiza Eron argued that it is illegal under Article 28 of the Constitution to continue with a case when the accused is denied proper legal representation.

“We believe this case should be sent to the High Court for guidance,” he said.

However, the prosecution disagreed, with Chief State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka arguing that the case had commenced before Martha Karua’s involvement and that the defence lawyers present were qualified to continue the proceedings.

“This is just a delay tactic. We believe senior lawyer Lukwago is capable. This application is just wasting court’s time,” Birivumbuka said.

When the magistrate ruled that the court would continue without Karua, the defence team walked out in protest.

In the nick of time, Besigye voiced his concern mentioning that his lawyers did not have instructions to proceed without the lead counsel.

“We went through great effort and cost to bring her from Kenya,” Besigye said.

The case was later adjourned to May 29, 2025, when the prosecution is expected to apply for amendments to the charge sheet.

Dr Besigye is facing terrorism-related charges alongside Hajj Lutale, Capt. Dennis Oola from the UPDF, and others. The offences are said to have happened between 2023 and 2024 in Uganda, Kenya, and Switzerland.