Besigye, Lutale Sent Back to Prison till January 13

Opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye and his co-accused Hajj Obeid Lutale have been sent back to prison by the General Court Martial sitting in Makindye, Kampala.

Court Martial Chairman Brig Freeman Mugabe adjourned their case to January 13, 2025, when they are expected to return for further mention.

Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua has taken on the role of lead defence lawyer. The High Court issued her temporary practising certificate after the Uganda Law Council cleared her to practice on Monday.

However, Court Martial on Tuesday rejected Karua as Besigye’s lead lawyer.

The seven-member court allowed only three lawyers: Fredrick Mpanga, Apollo Katumba, and Ernest Kalibala of AF Mpanga and Company Advocates, who he authorised in writing.

However, Besigye insists that he has instructed numerous counsels and wishes for all of them to represent him.

Earlier today, tensions soared at the General Court Martial when Eron Kiiza, a lawyer representing Besigye and Lutale, was arrested and detained by security personnel for alleged professional misconduct.

Besigye and Lutale were remanded following their abduction from Nairobi, Kenya, in November of last year. They are facing charges related to security offences and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

The military court’s jurisdiction over civilians and the charges against them continue to draw condemnation from legal experts and human rights defenders.

The trial has reignited debates over the use of military courts to try civilians in Uganda, with critics calling for judicial reforms to uphold due process and impartiality. The next hearing is expected to draw even more attention, as the legal battle continues to unfold under intense national and international scrutiny.