The Makindye General Court Martial has adjourned the trial of Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya to December 10, 2024, to grant the defense time to prepare and allow the lead counsel to acquire a practicing license.
Defense lead counsel Erias Lukwago on Monday, December 2, 2024, had requested the court to reconvene on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, to give the team more time to secure documentation for the Kenyan Senior Counsel, Martha Karua, to acquire a practice license to become the lead defense lawyer.
“We respectfully request that the court allow us to reconvene tomorrow, as this time would enable us to finalize critical preparations to acquire legal documentation for Kenyan lawyer Karua to practice law in Uganda,” Lukwago appealed.
However, the Makindye General Court Martial Chairman, Brig Gen Freeman Robert Mugabe, declined the plea, citing the court’s packed schedule.
“Unfortunately, the court is fully occupied throughout this week, and we must adjourn the proceedings to December 10, 2024, to ensure an orderly process,” he said.
Prominent Kenyan politician and lawyer Karua was present at the court in anticipation of representing Besigye. However, she expressed uncertainty about her role, citing pending clearance by the Uganda Law Council.
“It’s greatly concerning because I’m not yet sure whether I will be leading the team,” Karua said.
Adding, “I have spoken to the Law Council Chairperson, Justice Irene Mulyagonja, and she assured me that she is going to consider the application expeditiously. I may hear from them as early as tomorrow. Our submission was submitted on Wednesday, November 27th, and we do hope for a positive answer.”
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The court morning session was delayed as more than 20 defense lawyers, including Karua, Lukwago, and Eron Kizza, were initially locked out of the courtroom. After a 20-minute adjournment, the court allowed the lawyers to enter following security clearance. Lukwago stepped in as lead counsel.
During the session, the defense team successfully requested a 30-minute private consultation with their clients, Besigye and Kamulegeya, to address pertinent legal matters.
The case, which has drawn significant public attention, will resume on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, for mention and ruling on issues raised by the defense, including challenges to the court’s jurisdiction and procedural fairness.
