FULL BRIEFING: Here’s What Happened in Court Before Besigye Collapsed

KAMPALA — The trial of veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye descended into chaos on Wednesday after bitter legal arguments over his right to legal representation culminated in his dramatic collapse inside the High Court.

What began as a procedural hearing quickly evolved into an extraordinary courtroom standoff, with Besigye refusing to recognize lawyers assigned to him by the state and insisting that proceeding with the trial would violate his constitutional rights.

The prosecution opened the proceedings by informing the court that it was ready to begin its case, saying its first witness was already present and prepared to testify.

But before any evidence could be led, Besigye rose to challenge the proceedings, telling the court that he and his co-accused, Obed Lutale, had deliberately declined to engage with the government-appointed lawyers because a separate application concerning their legal representation remained unresolved.

Besigye explained that Application No. 248 had been filed specifically to address the difficulties surrounding their legal representation and had been assigned by the Principal Judge to Justice Simon Kinobe.

He complained that despite the application’s importance, the Deputy Registrar had not communicated its status to him or his co-accused. Justice Kinobe had earlier indicated that he would deliver his ruling on August 13.

According to Besigye, if that application were resolved in their favour, the question of state-funded legal representation would effectively cease to be an issue.

He further argued that although authorities had initially considered a pool of 786 advocates for appointment, the list had since been narrowed to 227 lawyers practicing in Kampala, whose curriculum vitae were expected to be reviewed before appointments could be finalized.

Besigye questioned the suitability of the three state-appointed lawyers, saying their CVs highlighted academic qualifications and law firm experience but did not demonstrate experience handling complex capital offences such as treason—the offence for which he and Lutale are being prosecuted. He said only Sylvia Namawenjje appeared to have relevant experience.

Insisting that the charges against him were among the gravest under Ugandan law, Besigye maintained that he needed lawyers with proven expertise and full commitment to defending both him and his co-accused effectively.

He argued that resolving Application No. 248 before Justice Kinobe was essential because it directly addressed the accused persons’ constitutional right to legal representation by advocates of their own choosing.

Besigye also told the court that his previous legal team had represented him effectively until, in his view, they were interfered with by the state.

Despite those objections, Justice Emmanuel Baguma ruled that the three lawyers earlier appointed by the state would continue representing Besigye and Lutale.

Besigye responded by citing Article 28 of the Constitution, arguing that the court should strictly comply with the Judicature (Legal Representation at the Expense of the State) Rules, Statutory Instrument No. 55 of 2022.

The court nevertheless proceeded. Three court assessors were sworn in despite continuing objections from the accused persons, and Justice Baguma ordered that the trial begin.

The prosecution immediately called its first witness, Orlando Wilson.

That decision marked the turning point in the proceedings.

As state prosecutor Richard Birivumbuka continued examining the witness, Besigye repeatedly shouted at the top of his voice in an apparent effort to stop the proceedings from continuing.

For between seven and ten minutes, his voice echoed through the courtroom as the prosecution pressed ahead with the examination of the witness despite his protests.

The confrontation intensified when prison officers moved into the dock to restrain the veteran opposition leader. A scuffle followed as officers attempted to place him in chains while he continued shouting in protest.

Moments later, Besigye suddenly collapsed inside the courtroom, bringing the proceedings to an abrupt halt and prompting immediate concern from lawyers, court officials and those in attendance.

He was subsequently rushed from court in an ambulance for emergency medical attention.

His collapse capped one of the most dramatic courtroom confrontations in Uganda’s recent political history, with a dispute over legal representation overshadowing the opening of a treason trial that had barely begun.

Watch the moment Besigye collapsed in court, and was rushed to hospital Here and There.

Last week, there were claims that the State Mzungu Witness Andrew Orlando Wilson was a MERCENARY FOR HIRE who was Reportedly Paid $3m to Fake Evidence Against Besigye, as detailed Here. 

There were also claims that the Mzungu witness had destroyed the original audio recordings Here.