Tension and drama flared up at the General Court Martial in Makindye today as supporters of Col Dr Kizza Besigye attempted to 'free' him from detention. 

Besigye and Abeid Lutaale are facing charges of unlawful possession of firearms after they were kidnapped from Nairobi, Kenya and brought back to Uganda by Ugandan army operatives. However, their appearance before the army court was delayed by over four hours largely due to the defense team's inability to access the court premises. 

Lawyers comprising Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua as lead counsel, Samuel Muyizi Mulindwa, Eron Kiiza, and Nalukoola Luyimbazi were denied access to court premises by soldiers.   

Lukwago had submitted a list of 35 lawyers contracted to defend Besigye and Lutaale, but some lawyers already inside were reportedly unaccounted for. The legal team also clashed with the soldiers over being barred from bringing their phones into court, which they argued were essential for accessing legal documents online.  

The standoff further escalated when soldiers returned from consultations with inconsistent rulings on phone usage in court. Tired of waiting and frustrated by the lack of progress, the lawyers retreated to a tree nearby, vowing to wait there until called.  

At this point, some supporters attempted to free Besigye during his transfer, leading to a scuffle with the army and the subsequent closure of the court gates. The session, initially scheduled as a mention, marked another chapter in Besigye's legal battles. 

Besigye, previously arraigned before the Court Martial in 2006 on charges of treason and rape—later dismissed—has consistently decried his trials as acts of political persecution. Since his presidential bid, he has faced numerous charges across various courts without any convictions.

Inside the courtroom, the session, chaired by Brig Robert Freeman Mugabe, addressed other cases while Besigye’s case was delayed due to the absence of his lead lawyers. Besigye, clad in a pink shirt and navy blue sweater, and Lutaale were briefly presented before being returned to their cells.  

Besigye's supporters expressed anger over the protracted process and called for Besigye's trial in civilian courts, dismissing the military court as a "kangaroo court."  

Karua was eventually granted entry, but Besigye’s supporters prevented her from proceeding, arguing that she, as a "bishop" should enter last. Complications arose when her assistant, who travelled with her from Kenya, was also denied entry, leading to further protests from the lawyers and supporters. By URN / The Observer