By Spy Uganda
In a dramatic turn of events at the General Court Martial in Makindye today, the prosecution filed an application to amend the charge sheet against Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutale. The amendment seeks to include Captain Denis Ola, a serving officer in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), as a co-accused, along with introducing an additional charge of treachery.
Captain Ola, attached to the Armoured Brigade, is accused of aiding Besigye and Lutale in organizing illegal meetings and fundraising efforts in Kenya, Greece, and Switzerland, allegedly aimed at destabilizing Uganda. He is also implicated in facilitating the possession of firearms and ammunition tied to the case, which has sparked concerns about possible collusion within the military.
Adding to the defense’s challenges was the notable absence of Eron Kiiza, a key member of Besigye’s legal team, who is serving a nine-month sentence from a previous court ruling. Besigye’s lawyers expressed frustration over his absence, noting that Kiiza holds specific responsibilities within the team. Without him, they argued, the defense’s ability to robustly represent their clients is significantly constrained.
Chronicle of Events Leading to Today’s Developments
- November 20, 2024: Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutale were initially charged at the General Court Martial with unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition and engaging in activities threatening Uganda’s security. Both were remanded to prison.
- December 2, 2024: Besigye unveiled a legal team of 35 lawyers, including Kenyan politician Martha Karua as the intended lead counsel. The court adjourned proceedings to allow Karua to obtain a temporary practicing certificate from the Uganda Law Council.
- December 10, 2024: The case was further delayed to January 7, 2025, due to the absence of a full defense team, including Karua. The defense continued to contest the military court’s jurisdiction over civilians.
- January 7, 2025: Besigye and Lutale’s remand was extended amid disputes over the defense team’s composition, particularly the court’s refusal to allow unlicensed counsel to participate in proceedings.
Legal and Political Implications
The inclusion of Captain Ola and the new charge of treachery have complicated the legal landscape for Besigye and Lutale. The absence of Eron Kiiza compounds the defense’s difficulties, as his expertise and assigned roles within the team are critical to their strategy. Furthermore, the ongoing jurisdictional challenges underscore the contentious nature of the trial.
Next Court Appearance
The General Court Martial has adjourned the case to January 20, 2025, when the amended charges and Captain Ola’s inclusion will be formally addressed. The defense is expected to continue pushing back against the court’s jurisdiction and strategize around the absence of key team members like Eron Kiiza.
As the trial progresses, the legal complexities and political undertones of the case will remain under scrutiny, with significant implications for Uganda’s judiciary and civil-military dynamics.
