The treason trial of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye began on Monday without his legal team present, raising fresh concerns over judicial independence and political repression in the country.
Besigye, who has been in detention for several months, appeared before a civilian court after Uganda's Supreme Court ruled that civilians cannot be tried in military courts. His case had originally been filed before a court martial before being transferred.
His lead lawyer, Erias Lukwago, remains in military custody after his arrest last month, while Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua was denied entry into Uganda when she attempted to represent Besigye. In court, the judge informed Besigye that he could choose from a list of state-appointed lawyers or have one assigned to him.
The trial, originally scheduled to begin in September 2025, was delayed after prosecutors only submitted evidence in June 2026.
Besigye has repeatedly accused the government of unlawfully denying him bail and access to proper medical treatment while in detention.
Earlier this month, President Yoweri Museveni defended the decision to keep some opposition figures in custody, arguing that granting them bail could endanger witnesses and national security.
The court adjourned proceedings, with the trial expected to resume on Wednesday amid growing scrutiny from human rights advocates and opposition supporters.
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