In a dramatic turn of events at the General Court Martial in Kampala, veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye’s lawyer, Mr. Eron Kiiza, was forcefully arrested while representing his client in a case fraught with tension and controversy.
Dr Besigye, a four-time presidential contender, and his aide, Obeid Lutale, are currently facing charges of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition—charges their legal team has vehemently denied and labelled politically motivated.
The incident unfolded during a heated courtroom exchange when Mr. Kiiza attempted to join the bench alongside other defense lawyers.
A soldier, stationed near the defense seating area, barred his way, leading to a confrontation.
Witnesses described a visibly frustrated Kiiza insisting on his right to be seated with the legal team.
“Get out of my way. I need to proceed. I’m a lawyer. Like it or not, I have to go there,” Kiiza asserted, his voice ringing through the tense courtroom.
Moments later, the situation escalated.
The soldier, ignoring Kiiza’s credentials and protestations, physically manhandled him before shoving him into the dock.
To the shock of the courtroom, Kiiza was soon whisked away to an undisclosed location, leaving his colleagues and clients stunned.
Court-Marshal Chair Justifies Arrest as ‘Misconduct’
The chairperson of the General Court Martial, Brig. Freeman Mugabe, addressed the growing unrest in the courtroom following the arrest.
Responding to objections raised by Ms Martha Karua, the lead defense counsel for Dr Besigye, Brig. Mugabe claimed that Mr Kiiza’s behaviour constituted “misconduct.”
“The way we’re conducting ourselves in this court is not helping,” Brig. Mugabe said. “We are here for justice. However, our conduct is to the disadvantage of the accused persons, Dr. Besigye and Mr. Lutale.”
Brig. Mugabe’s comments, however, did little to quell the indignation of the defense team.
Defense Counsel Decries Assault and Harassment
Ms Karua, a senior counsel and prominent East African lawyer, vehemently criticized the treatment of her colleague.
Addressing the court, she underscored the gravity of the situation and accused the authorities of deliberately undermining the defense’s ability to represent their clients effectively.
“The absence of Eron Kiiza is a very fundamental issue,” Ms. Karua argued.
“He is an advocate of the High Court and should not have been blocked from joining us. He was assaulted and taken away in full view of this court. This was no accident—it appears calculated to intimidate and harass the defense team.”
She went on to highlight the numerous challenges faced by the defense, including excessive security measures and invasive body checks.
“We have been subjected to harassment and rigorous searches. This treatment is exhausting and contrary to the principles of justice,” she added.
A Case Shrouded in Controversy
The charges against Dr. Besigye and Mr. Lutale have drawn widespread criticism, with many viewing the trial as an attempt to suppress political dissent.
The two were controversially arrested in Nairobi, Kenya, in November 2024, and forcibly returned to Kampala under murky circumstances.
The prosecution alleges that the pair were found in possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, a charge they deny.
Dr Besigye’s supporters argue that these accusations are part of a long-standing campaign to silence one of Uganda’s most vocal critics of the government.
Growing Concern for Legal Rights
The arrest of Mr Kiiza has sparked outrage among legal and human rights organizations, who see it as a troubling sign of the judiciary’s increasing hostility toward opposition figures and their representatives.
“This is an attack on the legal profession and the right to a fair trial,” said one legal expert familiar with the case. “It sends a chilling message to lawyers defending those accused of opposing the state.”
As the court proceedings continue, Dr Besigye and Mr. Lutale remain in custody, while their defense team scrambles to address the fallout from Mr. Kiiza’s arrest.
The incident has raised broader questions about the impartiality of Uganda’s judicial system and the extent to which political influence may be eroding its independence.
With tensions running high, the defense has vowed to pursue every legal avenue to ensure a fair trial for Dr Besigye and his aide.
Whether they will succeed in navigating an increasingly hostile courtroom environment remains to be seen.
