The General Court Martial in Makindye has further remanded Col. (Retired) Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused Haji Obeid Lutale to Luzira Prison on charges of unlawful possession of ammunition and a firearm.
The duo, who was arrested in Kenya, has been remanded until December 10, 2024, by the Court Martial, chaired by Brig. Gen. Robert Freeman Mugabe.
The remand followed a request from Besigye’s lawyers for an adjournment to allow them to process the practicing certificate of Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua, who was appointed to lead the defense team. Karua lacks a practicing license from the Uganda Law Council, which is required to practice law in Uganda.
When the Court resumed after a 30-minute break, given to a team of 35 lawyers hired by Besigye to discuss the way forward, Lukwago informed the Court that they had been instructed to process Karua’s documents before proceeding.
He added that the Law Council, chaired by Lady Justice Irene Mulyagonja, had assured them they would receive the necessary paperwork by Tuesday.
Lukwago requested the matter be adjourned until Tuesday to address these issues. However, in his ruling, Court Martial Chairperson Brig. Gen. Mugabe stated that it would not be possible due to other cases already scheduled for that time before proposing December 10.
This is not the first time Dr. Besigye has been arraigned before the Court Martial.
In 2006, he was charged with treason, rape, and concealment of treason. However, the charges were dismissed.
Since his declaration for the presidency, Besigye has faced numerous charges in several courts across the country, though no conviction has been obtained. He has consistently accused the state of politically motivated prosecution rather than prosecution.
By Our Reporter
2 Dec 2024
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