The lawyers defending opposition political activist Dr. Kizza Besigye and his associate Obeid Lutale were temporarily blocked from entering the military court in Makindye, Kampala. The two are facing four charges, including illegal possession of two pistols and eight rounds of ammunition, which relate to security offenses.
Brigadier Freeman Mugabe, the chairman of the military court, emphasized that no one should be denied entry into the courtroom as long as they follow the required security protocols. Among the blocked defense attorneys were lead counsel Martha Karua, Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, and attorneys Eron Kiiza and Luyimbazi Nalukola, among others.
In response, Brigadier Mugabe adjourned the case for 20 minutes to resolve the issue. Several top members of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and other opposition politicians gathered at the court for the hearing. Also present in the courtroom was Winnie Byanyima, the Executive Director of UNAIDS and Besigye’s wife.
