Makindye, Kampala – The General Court Martial turned into a battleground on Tuesday as tensions peaked with the arrest and detention of Eron Kiiza, legal counsel for opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused Hajj Obeid Lutale.
Kiiza’s arrest, on allegations of contempt of court for attempting to join his clients in the dock, has sent shockwaves through Uganda’s legal and political landscape.
The arrest led to an uproar from over 40 lawyers representing Besigye and Lutale, who decried the move as an act of intimidation and obstruction of justice.
The drama prompted Brigadier Freeman Mugabe, the Court Martial Chairman, to adjourn proceedings for 30 minutes to restore order.
Outside the court, a sea of white and blue t-shirts emblazoned with the slogan, “Free Dr. KB and Hajji Obeid Lutale Now,” filled the streets.
Supporters sang, chanted and waved placards, calling the trial politically motivated.
Prominent opposition leaders, including Joel Ssenyonyi, Leader of the Opposition and Winnie Kiiza, former Leader of Opposition, attended the proceedings to show solidarity.
Kiiza voiced concern over the presence of unidentified security personnel, some without name tags, terming it an attempt to intimidate and influence the trial.
In a groundbreaking development, renowned Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua has been granted a temporary practising certificate by the Uganda Law Council.
Her inclusion in the defense team is seen as a significant move to ensure a fair trial.
Prominent lawyer Isaac Ssemakadde hailed the decision, noting, “The involvement of Martha Karua has salvaged Uganda’s international reputation and reassured observers of the judiciary’s commitment to fairness.”
The trial’s venue at the General Court Martial has drawn heavy criticism from human rights activists. Dr. Sarah Bireete lambasted the military court as inherently biased, arguing that it functions as complainant, investigator, prosecutor and judge, a direct violation of Article 28 of the Ugandan Constitution, which guarantees a fair trial.
“The use of military courts for civilians undermines the principles of impartiality and due process,” Bireete stated.
Dr. Besigye and Lutale face charges of security offenses and unlawful possession of firearms, allegations their supporters label as fabricated.
The two were controversially abducted from Nairobi, Kenya, in November 2024, further raising international eyebrows over the Ugandan government’s handling of opposition figures.
The trial has drawn widespread attention, with both local and international observers questioning the impartiality of military trials and the increasing use of security agencies to silence dissent.
As proceedings resume, the spotlight remains firmly on the Court Martial, with calls growing louder for justice, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law.
Uganda is bleeding.