Kiiza Besigye and his co-accused, Obed Kamulegeya Lutale have been denied bail and sent back to Luzira till January 7, 2025.
While appearing at the Makindye court martial on December 10, 2024, the defence’s request to have Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua as lead counsel was denied before the general court martial chairperson, Brigadier Freeman Mugabi asked the defence to return to court on January 7, 2024, when they are prepared.
According to Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, one of the defence lawyers, the process of securing a temporary permit for Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua is still ongoing, and other lawyers are still coming on board.
‘’We thank our international lawyers for coming on board to give legal guidance, and the process to have Martha Karua lead the team is still ongoing, and we shall push till it happens.’’ Lukwago said.
The Leader of opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi said that as the opposition, they are now united, and they will keep standing together in solidarity.
‘’As opposition we are now more united than ever to say no to the injustice and say that all human rights must be respected, and it has happened to many of NUP supporters and now to Dr. Besigye, and this should be condemned.’’ Ssenyonyi said.
On December 9, 2024, opposition leaders from different parties met at the Uganda parliament in a joint presser condemned the trial of Dr. Kizza Besigye and Obed Kamulegeya in the military court martial.
‘’We demand that either the charges against Dr. Besigye and Hajj Obeid are dropped entirely or that their case is transferred to civilian courts. The unconstitutional practice of trying civilians in military courts must equally stop forthwith, as numerous rulings by the Uganda Constitutional Court have ordered,’’ part of the statement read.
Dr. Kizza Besigye was arrested at the Riverside Hotel in Kenya on November 16, 2024, with co-accused Obed Kamulegeya, and they are being charged in the Uganda court martial for being found in possession of firearms and rounds of ammunition at their Riverside Hotel in Kenya.
