Uganda lawyers in protest strike

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Lawyers in Uganda have begun a strike to protest against the government's interference with the judiciary.

Early this month, security agents raided the High Court and arrested six opposition supporters who had been granted bail.

During the raid one lawyer was beaten unconscious. Uganda's law Society says the strike will last for three days.

Judges ended their week-long strike over the incident on Friday, after President Yoweri Museveni apologised

He also ordered an investigation.

Chief Justice Benjamin Odoki said courts countrywide would resume normal operations on Monday despite the lawyers strike.

But Uganda Law Society President Oscar Kihika told a news conference that they would not be in court.

?This is a symbolic way for the lawyers to condemn interference with the independence of the courts. There shall be no court business but we shall meet clients at our private chambers.?

The arrested men who remain in custody on fresh charges of murder, were all supporters of opposition leader Kizza Besigye.

Two years ago, operations at the high court were halted after a siege by a military unit during a case against Dr Besigye, who had been charged with treason.

The suspects in custody are alleged members of the People's Redemption Army (PRA) accused of plotting a coup.

The government has often linked Dr Besigye with PRA, a rebel group that was allegedly based in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Dr Besigye who was charged with treason and rape in the runner up to presidential elections last year, has denied any link to the rebel group.

He lost the election and still faces treason charges at the High Court but was cleared of the rape charge last year.