The hearing of opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and his associate Obeid Lutale at the General Court Martial in Makindye descended into chaos, leading to a dramatic adjournment to January 7, 2025. The session was marked by intense exchanges between defense lawyers, the court’s Judge Advocate Brigadier-General Richard Tukacungurwa, and the prosecution, exposing deep tensions over the trial’s legitimacy and procedural integrity.
Dr. Besigye, who has consistently rejected the court’s authority, describes it as a “Kangaroo court” and refuses to apply for bail. The two civilians, Besigye and Lutale, are challenging their trial in the court martial, which they argue is an unlawful venue for civilian matters.
The courtroom was filled with vocal supporters of Dr. Besigye, who chanted “We will never surrender” in a show of solidarity. Meanwhile, the defense team—led by Eron Kiiza and Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago—faced multiple logistical challenges, including a lack of seating, which further escalated tensions. Notably, Kenyan senior counsel Martha Karua was absent from the session, leaving the local legal team to manage the proceedings.
The situation became even more heated when Eron Kiiza clashed with Judge Advocate Tukacungurwa, accusing him of overstepping his role. Kiiza said, “You are not a judge and not part of this court,” to which the Judge Advocate responded, “I am final here.” The confrontation grew more intense when Tukacungurwa threatened Kiiza with contempt charges for his remarks.
Adding to the turmoil, Kiiza accused military personnel of abducting a member of the defense team in an apparent attempt to intimidate them. “We want those who abducted him to be held accountable,” Kiiza demanded. The court then insisted that all defense lawyers present their practicing certificates, further stalling the proceedings.
Legal representation for Besigye and Lutale became a contentious issue, with Lukwago emphasizing that the accused have the right to choose their legal team. “The right to legal representation is non-derogable,” he asserted, highlighting the defense’s concerns over the court’s conduct.
In an unusual twist, the prosecution accused the defense team of unprofessional conduct, claiming that they were undermining the court through public discussions. The prosecution also alleged that Eron Kiiza had conducted public push-ups and entered the courtroom unshowered, claims that Kiiza quickly dismissed as baseless. He instead focused on demanding the release of the abducted colleague.
With the session dragging on without resolution, defense lawyer Nalukoola called for an adjournment, rejecting the proposed January 7 date as too soon. The defense had requested a one-week adjournment, proposing a return date of January 17. However, Chairman Brigadier-General Freeman Mugabe ruled otherwise, stating, “Get enough time; January 7 is enough.”
As the hearing was adjourned, it was clear that fundamental issues concerning the trial’s legitimacy, the conduct of court officials, and the treatment of the defense team remained unresolved. Dr. Besigye and Lutale’s supporters, who had rallied behind them throughout the day, vowed to continue fighting for justice as the case continues to unfold, leaving their fate uncertain for the moment.
