The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has launched a trial watch program aimed at monitoring and assessing court proceedings against Col (Rtd.) Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Hajj Obeid Lutale.
The General Court Martial in Makindye, a Kampala suburb, further remanded Dr. Besigye and his co-accused, Lutale, to Luzira Prison on charges of unlawful possession of ammunition and firearms.
The duo, who were arrested in Kenya, were again remanded until December 10, 2024, by the Court Martial, chaired by Brig Gen Robert Freeman Mugabe.
According to the Uganda Law Society President, Isaac Ssemakadde, the team will play an observer role to monitor and make an assessment during proceedings of court.
“We have strategically deployed an independent observer team from our Rule of Law Committee to systematically monitor and assess the court proceedings,” Ssemakadde said.
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In a statement issued on December 5, 2024, Ssemakadde said that ULS maintains a principled approach to legal proceedings, respecting the professional autonomy of advocates involved in the ongoing litigation.
“While we do not typically provide running commentary on active court cases, we are committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring a fair trial,” he said.
He explained that the observer will provide regular, comprehensive reports to the ULS, enabling the society to evaluate potential interventions.
“Our objective is to ensure transparency, procedural integrity, and the fundamental principles of justice through these proceedings,” Ssemakadde added.
