KAMPALA – Chaotic scenes unfolded at the General Court Martial as Eron Kiiza, one of the lawyers representing veteran opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye, was sentenced to nine months in Kitalya prison for contempt of court.
Kiiza’s sentencing followed a dramatic confrontation in the courtroom earlier on Tuesday. The lawyer was manhandled and arrested after clashing with a soldier who attempted to prevent him from joining other defence lawyers on the bench.
Brigadier Freeman Mugabe, the court-martial chairperson, defended the arrest, citing Kiiza’s “misconduct” as the reason.
“The way we are conducting ourselves in this court is not helping. We are here for justice, but our conduct is disadvantaging the accused,” Brig Mugabe remarked.
However, Kenya’s senior counsel Martha Karua, who leads the defence team, strongly objected.
“Eron Kiiza is an advocate of the High Court. He shouldn’t have been blocked or assaulted. The harassment and body checks we’ve been subjected to are exhausting and unbecoming of this court,” Karua said.
Defence Lawyers Boycott Proceedings
Following Kiiza’s sentencing, the 32-member defence team, including Karua and Kampala Mayor Erias Lukwago, refused to proceed with the case.
They argued that Kiiza’s absence was a significant impediment, as he had critical submissions to make.
“We have consulted with our clients. They would like to proceed with all their lawyers present, including Kiiza,” Karua informed the court after a brief adjournment.
The prosecution, led by Colonel Raphael Mugisha, objected to the defence’s stance, insisting the case should proceed. However, Lukwago demanded clarity on Kiiza’s alleged offence, which had not been formally addressed before his sentencing.
Despite the defence’s boycott, Brig Mugabe adjourned the matter to January 13 for further mention. Dr Besigye and his aide, Hajj Obeid Lutale, face charges related to security offences and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
The two were controversially arrested in Nairobi, Kenya, in November 2024 and returned to Uganda to face trial at the General Court Martial.
Credit: Daily Monitor