There was significant commotion at the Makindye General Court Martial as a group of lawyers were barred from entering the courtroom. The legal team had come to represent opposition leader Kizza Besigye and his associate, Sheikh Obeid Lutale, who are facing charges.
Amidst the disruption, the lawyers rallied outside the gates, shouting “Open! Open!” in protest, demanding to be let in. The court premises were heavily guarded by police, who stood firm across from the gate.
Besigye and Lutale are accused of security-related offenses and illegal firearm possession after being reportedly abducted from Nairobi in November 2024. A team of over 40 lawyers is representing them in the ongoing case.
Reports from Daily Monitor suggest that efforts are being made to ensure all lawyers are allowed into the court for the proceedings. NTV Uganda further reported that security had received a list of approved attorneys, but the number of lawyers who showed up exceeded expectations. As a result, security instructed the group to decide amongst themselves who would be granted entry.
Earlier in the day, opposition leader Joel Ssenyonyi appeared at the court to show support for Besigye and Lutale. Meanwhile, Besigye’s supporters gathered outside, singing and chanting in solidarity with them.
Among the lawyers present was Martha Karua, leader of the Narc party, who led the defense team. Karua had been granted a temporary practicing certificate by the Uganda Law Council (ULC) on Monday, reversing an earlier decision to block her from practicing law in Uganda. This reversal followed her reapplication through the Uganda Law Society, which had initially raised concerns about her documentation and potential political motivations. The ULC confirmed her eligibility to practice law temporarily in a statement.
