Besigye and the co-accused Kamulegeya are not the first civilians to appear before the military court; many have been charged, and in the case of Micheal Kabaziguruka, the former MP for Nakawa division, the Constitutional Court held a decision that the General Court Martial has no power to try civilians, though this still continues to happen.

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.