Capt. Oola Breaks Ranks, Accepts State Lawyers in Besigye Treason Case
Capt. Denis Oola Oya has decided to accept state-funded legal representation in the treason case against Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye. While Oola has moved forward with state lawyers, Besigye and another co-accused have yet to select their counsel from the court-appointed list.
Why it matters
The case is a high-profile legal proceeding involving a prominent opposition figure, and the split in legal strategy among the accused highlights the complexities of the trial.
KAMPALA — Capt. Denis Oola Oya has broken ranks with his co-accused in the high-profile treason case against opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye by accepting legal representation under Uganda’s state brief scheme, according to newly surfaced court documents.
A report filed before the High Court Criminal Division shows that while Besigye and co-accused Hajji Obeid Lutale declined to engage the court-appointed lawyers, Oola agreed to be represented, citing difficulties with his existing legal team.
The report, dated July 21 and received by the court on July 22, was prepared by state brief advocates Sylvia Namawejje Ebitu, Julius Sselwabala and Sarah Awelo after they visited Luzira Upper Prison to meet the three accused.
According to the lawyers, Oola (A3) met them and said he was willing to accept state-funded legal representation because the lawyers handling his case before the military court had become “extremely busy.”
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