The High Court of Uganda has issued a timeline for hearing an application for legal representation involving Col. Rtd Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale, with a ruling expected on August 13, 2026. The application, registered as Criminal Miscellaneous Application No. 0248 of 2026, has been allocated to Acting High Court Judge Simon Peter M. Kinobe for hearing and determination.
In directions issued on July 17, 2026, Justice Kinobe outlined the steps that both parties must follow before the court considers the application seeking legal representation. The case management schedule is intended to ensure that all parties have an opportunity to present their arguments before the court delivers its decision.
The court directed the applicants to serve the respondents by the close of business on Monday, July 20, 2026. Since the matter is being handled through the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS), the Systems Administrator was also instructed to ensure that all parties are properly linked on the system.
The respondents have been given until July 23, 2026 to file and serve their affidavits in reply. The applicants will then have until July 28, 2026 to file and serve any rejoinder affidavits, if necessary.
According to the court schedule, the applicants must file and serve their written submissions on or before July 31, 2026, while the respondents are required to file and serve their reply submissions by August 3, 2026. The applicants will have a final opportunity to submit rejoinder submissions, if any, by August 6, 2026.
After considering the submissions from both sides, the High Court will deliver its ruling on the application on August 13, 2026.
The Deputy Registrar of the Criminal Division, Twakyire Samuel, communicated the court’s directions to Col. Rtd Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale through the Officer in Charge of Uganda Government Prison, Luzira Upper.
The application for legal representation will now proceed according to the timetable set by the High Court, with both parties expected to comply with the deadlines before the final determination is made.
