There was high drama in a Ugandan court on Friday, May 23, 2025, after lawyers representing opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye walked out of the courtroom.
They were protesting the court’s decision to continue with the case without the presence of Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua, who had been asked to represent Besigye and his political assistant, Obeid Lutale.
The defence team was led by Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago. They told the Chief Magistrate, Christine Nantege, that it was unfair to continue the trial in Karua’s absence. Lukwago said Karua was the main lawyer instructed to lead the defence and her presence was essential.
Dr. Besigye and Mr. Lutale have been on remand since November 2024. They were taken from Nairobi, Kenya, in a controversial operation by Ugandan security operatives. Their arrest has caused wide debate and criticism across East Africa.
In court, Lukwago accused the magistrate of rushing the trial without giving the defence team enough notice.
“We were told the hearing would continue on May 29 because the court was too busy,” he said.
“Now, suddenly, we are informed late on May 22 that the session is happening on May 23. This is a clear case of judicial ambush.”
Dr. Besigye also spoke directly in court. He said, “I am not a lawyer. I cannot defend myself properly. We need Karua here. She understands the details of this case.”
Despite the objections, Magistrate Nantege said the court would proceed. She said the prosecution planned to amend the charges and that process would happen on May 29 whether Karua was present or not.
Chief State Attorney Richard Birivimbuka rejected the defence team’s complaints. “This case cannot stop because of Martha Karua,” he said. “If she wanted to handle it, she should have made arrangements to stay in Uganda. Her absence cannot stop justice from being done.”
Birivimbuka also criticized Karua for what he called “irrelevant” statements in her last appearance, although he later apologized. He described the defence team’s request to refer the case to the High Court as unnecessary and a way to delay the process.
Defence lawyer Eron Kiiza also condemned the court proceedings. “This is a stage for repression,” he said. “The law is clear. This matter should be heard in the High Court, not here.”
Kiiza added that some lawyers did not come to court because they were not told the hearing date had been changed. “They were not informed in time,” he said.
He also raised concerns about the presence of plainclothes men in the courtroom, whom he suspected were security agents. “They were hiding in corners like goons,” he said.
Earlier that day, chaos broke out when plainclothes security men allegedly attacked supporters of Dr. Besigye. The supporters were accused of taking unauthorized photos during the court session.
Besigye, Lutale, and UPDF Captain Dennis Oola are facing terrorism-related charges. The charges are based on activities that allegedly took place between 2023 and November 2024 in Uganda, Kenya, and Switzerland.
Despite the protests and confusion, the court session ended with the announcement that the case would continue on May 29. However, the defence has made it clear they may return to court only if their concerns are addressed.
Dr. Besigye also spoke directly in court. He said, “I am not a lawyer. I cannot defend myself properly. We need Karua here. She understands the details of this case.”
Despite the objections, Magistrate Nantege said the court would proceed. She said the prosecution planned to amend the charges and that process would happen on May 29 whether Karua was present or not.
Chief State Attorney Richard Birivimbuka rejected the defence team’s complaints. “This case cannot stop because of Martha Karua,” he said. “If she wanted to handle it, she should have made arrangements to stay in Uganda. Her absence cannot stop justice from being done.”
Birivimbuka also criticized Karua for what he called “irrelevant” statements in her last appearance, although he later apologized. He described the defence team’s request to refer the case to the High Court as unnecessary and a way to delay the process.
Defence lawyer Eron Kiiza also condemned the court proceedings. “This is a stage for repression,” he said. “The law is clear. This matter should be heard in the High Court, not here.”
Kiiza added that some lawyers did not come to court because they were not told the hearing date had been changed. “They were not informed in time,” he said.
He also raised concerns about the presence of plainclothes men in the courtroom, whom he suspected were security agents. “They were hiding in corners like goons,” he said.
Earlier that day, chaos broke out when plainclothes security men allegedly attacked supporters of Dr. Besigye. The supporters were accused of taking unauthorized photos during the court session.
Besigye, Lutale, and UPDF Captain Dennis Oola are facing terrorism-related charges. The charges are based on activities that allegedly took place between 2023 and November 2024 in Uganda, Kenya, and Switzerland.
Despite the protests and confusion, the court session ended with the announcement that the case would continue on May 29. However, the defence has made it clear they may return to court only if their concerns are addressed.
Post a Comment
0Comments