Dr. Kizza Besigye and co-accused Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya have presented a team of 35 lawyers before the Makindye military court on December 2, 2024, in preparation for his defense.

While appearing before the court, the acting lead counsel, Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, read to the court a list of lawyers to be part of the defense and said others are still coming on board, and the lead counsel will be Kenyan politician Martha Karua, the former Raila Odinga’s running mate in the last Kenya presidential elections.

“Martha Karua is going to be our lead counsel and is still coordinating a team of lawyers from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and all over Africa to take over the case,” Lukwago said.

He also explained to the court how they have already engaged Justice Irene Mulyagonja of the Law Council of Uganda to get a temporary practicing certificate for Karua.

“We met with Justice Irene Mulyagonja on Monday morning, December 2, 2024, on allowing Counsel Karua to get a license, and it was agreed that they are expediting the process to get clearance for the lead counsel,” Lukwago added.

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Among the 35 lawyers was Ernest Kalibala, Eron Kiiza, Kato Tumusiime, Nalukola Luyimbazi, Ronald Sam Wonder, Abubaker Ssekanjako, George William Mukula, Ronald Katushabe, Isaac Kwagala, Faruk Kamulegeya, Wilson Kato, Silas Ogul, Moses Tugume, Godfrey Akakimpa, Gordon Mukisa, Major (Rtd.) Roland Iduuli, and Kakuru Tumusiime, among others.

The case was later adjourned for 30 minutes as Lukwago asked to talk to his clients since he had not gotten a chance to talk to Besigye and Kamulegeya, stating that even when he had gone to Luzira Prison to talk to them, it was no success.

On resuming after the 30-minute adjournment, the Chairperson of the General Court Martial, Brigadier General Freeman Robert Mugabe, ordered that Besigye and the co-accused be brought back to court on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, for mention and ruling.