KAMPALA- The General Court Martial has further remanded Retired Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Obeid Lutaale Kamulegeya, to Luzira Prison until January 7, 2025, as they face charges of unlawful possession of ammunition and firearms.
The remand followed submissions by their legal team, led by Erias Lukwago and Eron Kiiza, who raised several concerns, including the arrest of one of their colleagues, Retired Major Ronald Iduli, the lack of sufficient seating for the lawyers, and the denial of a practicing certificate to their Kenyan counterpart- Martha Karua, who was set to be the lead counsel.
Lukwago informed the court that the defense team was not fully constituted due to these issues and, as a result, they were unable to proceed.
He also introduced three visiting lawyers: Margaret Nangacovie from Angola, Gicheru Kimei from Kenya, and Martha Karua, also from Kenya.
Lukwago noted that many of Besigye’s lawyers were forced to stand due to the lack of seating arrangements, despite the court being filled. He also expressed concern that the windows of the court hall were not opened, which he argued hindered a comfortable working environment.
Additionally, Lukwago noted that Martha Karua, who had been appointed as the lead counsel, was denied a practicing certificate by the Uganda Law Council. He stated that they had filed objections to the decision.