A dramatic bail hearing for opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and his associate Obeid Lutale at the General Court Martial in Makindye ended in chaos, forcing an adjournment to January 7, 2025. The session was marked by heated exchanges between the defense lawyers, led by Eron Kiiza and Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, and the court’s Judge Advocate, Brigadier-General Richard Tukacungurwa.
Supporters of Dr. Kizza Besigye packed the courtroom, chanting slogans like “We will never surrender” as the defense challenged the court’s procedures. However, logistical issues, including inadequate seating for the legal team, added to the growing tension.
The confrontation reached a boiling point when Kiiza accused the Judge Advocate of overstepping his role, asserting, “You are not a judge and not part of this court.” The Judge Advocate responded firmly, saying, “I am final here,” and warned Kiiza of possible contempt charges.
Amid the escalating standoff, Kiiza claimed that a defense team member had been abducted by military personnel in what he described as an act of intimidation. “We demand accountability for those responsible,” he said, while the court insisted on verifying practicing certificates for all defense lawyers.
Efforts to solidify the legal representation of Dr. Besigye and Lutale were further complicated. Lukwago stressed that the accused had the ultimate right to choose their legal team, noting, “The right to legal representation is non-derogable.”
The prosecution accused the defense of unprofessional conduct and undermining the court through public commentary. They also alleged that Kiiza had entered the court inappropriately and engaged in bizarre antics, claims which he dismissed as diversionary. Instead, Kiiza focused on urging military officials to release his abducted colleague.
Defense lawyer Nalukoola requested an adjournment to resolve the legal issues, proposing January 17 as the new date. However, the court’s chairman, Brigadier-General Freeman Mugabe, rejected the request, maintaining, “January 7 is sufficient.”
As the session ended without resolving key procedural and legal disputes, the fate of Dr. Besigye and Lutale remains uncertain. Their supporters have vowed to persist in their pursuit of justice, keeping the spotlight on what they describe as a contentious trial fraught with irregularities.
Dr. Kizza Besigye, a prominent Ugandan opposition figure and former presidential candidate, has faced numerous legal battles over the years, often rooted in his criticism of the government. His current case at the General Court Martial involves charges linked to alleged acts of subversion and incitement, which he denies, claiming political persecution. Alongside his associate Obeid Lutale, Besigye has challenged the legitimacy of the military court to try civilians, arguing that it undermines their constitutional rights. The case has drawn widespread attention, with his supporters viewing it as a test of Uganda’s judicial independence and respect for political freedoms.
