Lawyer and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has withdrawn from representing jailed opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Hajji Obeid Lutale, in their ongoing court case.Lukwago & Co Advocates formally notified the High Court of the decision, with a team led by lawyer Medard Lubega Sseggona informing court that Lukwago had instructed them to communicate his withdrawal.His exit comes amid challenges facing Besigye’s defence team, including his own detention in a separate case on charges of misprision of treason and the absence of Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua, who was denied entry into Uganda.
The High Court recently ruled that Besigye and Lutale still had adequate legal representation despite the absence of Lukwago and Karua. Justice Simon Peter Kinobe noted that the accused were represented by about 13 law firms and more than 50 advocates.
The court further held that Lukwago’s detention did not automatically violate the accused persons’ right to legal representation.Besigye and Lutale continue to deny the charges against them, while their remaining lawyers are expected to reorganise the defence as the closely watched case proceeds.Lukwago has previously been a key member of Besigye’s legal team and has represented him in several high-profile cases.
