Besigye defense team cites Lukwago absence for June 30 hearing

Defense lawyer Kato Tumusiime told journalists that the absence of senior advocate Elias Lukwago will affect the trial and the proceeding on the thirtieth day of June when the team next appears before the court. Tumusiime said Lukwago has played a central role in drafting key applications in the case.

He noted that the defense team was assembled based on specific legal expertise and that each counsel's participation is critical to the proceedings.

The defense team will meet Besigye and Lutale to decide whether to proceed without Lukwago or seek adjustments to the hearing schedule. Tumusiime said the accused retain the constitutional right to choose their legal representation. "We get instructions from our clients, and they are the ones now to determine whether we proceed with the absence of Elias Lukwago or we don't proceed, because they have that right mandated by the constitution to choose who represents them," Tumusiime stated.

Court summons have been issued for Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Tumusiime said the defense team is exploring electronic service, physical delivery, and substituted service through newspapers to serve the summons. "We are still prepared and going ahead to look for the whereabouts of Gen.

Muhoozi Kainerugaba, his phone numbers, his email address so that we can serve electronically. Or if we fail to serve electronically, we shall get his residence and serve a document there," he said. Tumusiime added that if the summons made Gen.

Muhoozi Kainerugaba angry, he should not target the messenger but the judge who signed the order. The matter is expected to return to court on June 30.