Veteran political leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and his associate, Hajji Obeid Lutale, are set to reappear before the General Court Martial in Makindye today. The court is expected to deliver a ruling on the legality of the charges against them and the jurisdiction of the General Court Martial, particularly given that their arrest occurred in Kenya.
The duo’s last court appearance was on December 2, 2024. During that session, proceedings stalled after their lead Kenyan lawyer, Martha Karua, was found not to possess a practicing certificate from the Uganda Law Council—a mandatory requirement for lawyers representing clients in Ugandan courts.
Dr. Besigye and Hajji Lutale were arrested on November 20, 2024, at the Riverside Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. They were subsequently charged with unlawful possession of two pistols and live ammunition.
Authorities allege the offenses were committed during meetings held in Athens, Greece; Geneva, Switzerland; and Nairobi, Kenya. These meetings reportedly aimed to solicit logistical support and identify military targets in Uganda to undermine national security.
Both Besigye and Lutale have denied the allegations and are currently held at Luzira Prison while investigations by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) continue.
