There was drama at the Makindye General Court Martial when a group of lawyers was denied access.
The lawyers had arrived at the court where opposition leader Kizza Besigye and his aide, Sheikh Obeid Lutale, are facing charges.
As the lawyers pushed against the court’s gate, their chants of “Open! Open!” echoed through the air, demanding that the gate be opened.
The court was heavily guarded by police officers, who stood on the other side of the gate.
Besigye and Lutale are facing security offences and unlawful firearm possession charges following their alleged abduction from Nairobi in November 2024.
Over 40 lawyers are representing the two men in their case.
According to Daily Monitor, efforts are being made to ensure that all lawyers are allowed to attend the proceedings.
NTV Uganda reported that security personnel had been given a list of lawyers permitted to attend the case, but a larger group of lawyers showed up.
The security officers then urged the lawyers to decide among themselves who would be allowed to enter the court.
Earlier, opposition leader Joel Ssenyonyi arrived at the court to show solidarity with Besigye and Lutale.
Upon learning of the situation at the court, Besigye’s supporters gathered outside, singing and chanting in support.
Among the lawyers present was Narc leader Martha Karua, who is serving as the lead defence lawyer.
Karua was granted a temporary practising certificate by the Uganda Law Council (ULC) on Monday, reversing its previous decision to bar her from practising law in Uganda.
The ULC had initially denied her application, citing insufficient documentation and concerns over potential political implications.
“The Law Council has granted a temporary Practicing Certificate to Hon. Martha Karua, following her reapplication through the Uganda Law Society,” the statement from the law society read in part.
By Nairobi