A rollercoaster hearing in which a judge advocate threatened to have a defence lawyer charged with contempt of court ended in a January adjournment
The bail hearing for opposition figure Kizza Besigye and his associate Obeid Lutale descended into a chaotic standoff at the General Court Martial in Makindye, culminating in an adjournment to January 7, 2025.
The session, marked by dramatic exchanges between defence lawyers, the court’s Judge Advocate Brigadier-General Richard Tukacungurwa, and the prosecution, highlighted deep procedural and legal tensions.
Supporters of Dr. Besigye filled the courtroom, chanting “We will never surrender” as they awaited the ruling on their objections to the trial.
Meanwhile, the legal team – without their leader Kenyan senior counsel Martha Karua, was led by Eron Kiiza and Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who said they faced logistical hurdles, including insufficient seating, further exacerbating tensions.
The proceedings grew heated as Eron Kiiza clashed with the Judge Advocate, accusing him of overstepping his role. “You are not a judge and not part of this court,” Kiiza argued, prompting a retort from the Judge Advocate: “I am final here.”
The confrontation escalated when the Judge Advocate warned Kiiza of potential contempt charges.
Adding to the disarray, Kiiza alleged that a member of the defense legal team had been abducted by military personnel in an apparent attempt to intimidate the defense.
“We want those who abducted him to be held accountable,” he stated, as the court demanded practicing certificates for all defense lawyers.
Efforts by the defense to establish clear legal representation for Dr. Besigye and Lutale were further stalled.
Mr Lukwago emphasized that the accused held the final say on their legal team, stressing, “The right to legal representation is non-derogable.”
The prosecution accused the defense of unprofessional conduct, claiming they were undermining the court through public discussions.
In a bizarre twist, they alleged that Eron Kiiza had conducted public push-ups and entered court unshowered.
Kiiza dismissed the accusations, instead urging military leadership to release the abducted colleague.
With no resolution in sight, defense lawyer Nalukoola prayed for an adjournment, rejecting the proposed January 7 date as inadequate. However, Chairman Brig. Freeman Mugabe ruled otherwise, stating, “Get enough time; January 7 is enough.”
As the session concluded, it was evident that fundamental issues regarding the trial’s legitimacy, the conduct of court officials, and the treatment of the defense team remain unresolved.
The adjournment leaves Dr. Besigye and Lutale’s fate uncertain, with their supporters vowing to continue their fight for justice.