A commotion erupted Tuesday morning at Uganda’s Judiciary headquarters when a team of lawyers and journalists, led by Erias Lukwago, Eron Kizza, and Martha Karua, was denied entry while attempting to meet the Chief Justice.
Security officers struggled to restrain the group, which tried to force its way into the offices alongside journalists. The lawyers were following up on a constitutional court ruling that declared the trial of civilians at the court martial unconstitutional.
The court had on Monday adjourned the trial of Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutale to December 10 after defence lawyers requested additional time to process a temporary practising licence for Karua.
Karua, the Narc-Kenya party leader, must secure the temporary licence from the Ugandan Law Council to represent Besigye in the case. The request followed a closed-door meeting between the defence lawyers and Besigye.
Besigye and Lutale face charges related to national security and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. This is not the first time Besigye has appeared before the court martial. In 2006, he was charged with treason and other offences, all of which were eventually dismissed.
The duo is also alleged to have been abducted by Ugandan security operatives in Nairobi, where they had planned to attend Karua’s book launch, before being transported to Uganda.
Speaking to NTV Uganda on Monday, Karua said her application for the temporary licence was still under review when Besigye was arraigned before the court martial.
She noted having a telephone conversation with Justice Irene Mulyagonja, who assured her the matter would be addressed and feedback provided on Tuesday.
“I have in turn tasked her and pleaded that they process my application expeditiously because the case is ongoing, and I cannot address the court without the necessary approval,” Karua stated.
Besigye and Lutale are expected to return to court on December 10 for the ruling and mention of their case.
