The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Drama unfolded in a Ugandan courtroom on Friday when opposition figure Kizza Besigye’s legal team stormed out in protest after a magistrate allowed proceedings to continue without the presence of lead counsel Martha Karua.
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Karua, who has been heading Besigye’s defense, was absent during the scheduled hearing at Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court, prompting objections from the defense. The court had summoned Besigye following a production order issued on May 22.
Besigye, along with co-accused Hajj Lutale and UPDF Captain Denis Oola, faces treason charges stemming from alleged efforts to overthrow President Museveni’s government, including meetings in Switzerland, Greece, and Kenya between 2023 and November 2024.
Addressing the court, Besigye stated, “Our lawyers have no instructions to proceed without Martha Karua.” However, the prosecution countered that Karua’s unavailability should not stall the trial, adding that her residence in Nairobi had not been officially communicated to the court.
Despite pleas for an adjournment, the magistrate ruled that the case should move forward, prompting the walkout.
The defense condemned the ruling as an infringement on Besigye’s right to adequate legal representation.
