Drama unfolded on Tuesday at the General Court Martial in Kampala when Eron Kiiza, a defense lawyer representing Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale, was violently arrested following a confrontation with military police officers.
The chaos began when Kiiza attempted to access the courtroom, only to be blocked by military personnel. An argument ensued, prompting Kiiza to protest by banging on the barricade and demanding entry. The situation escalated when the Court Martial judge advocate Brigadier-General Richard Tukacungurwa ordered his arrest.
Witnesses reported that Kiiza was forcefully removed from the courtroom and assaulted. Despite the ordeal, he managed to escape custody temporarily and rejoin his clients, Besigye and Lutale, in the dock. However, the reprieve was short-lived as security officers rearrested him, subjected him to further beating, and detained him in the court cells.
The incident occurred amidst broader complaints of mistreatment by opposition members trying to access the court premises. Former Leader of Opposition Winnie Kiiza and activist Ingrid Turinawe alleged harassment by security officers stationed outside the court.
The commotion led to a 30-minute adjournment of proceedings, with some members of the Court Martial fleeing the premises.
Supporters of Dr. Besigye decried the arrest of Kiiza, labeling it an act of intimidation and criticizing the military court for its alleged lack of impartiality. They described the court as a “kangaroo court” and demanded the immediate release of the lawyer.
“This is a clear sign of the deteriorating state of justice in our country,” one supporter remarked. “Enough is enough; Uganda is bleeding.”
The unrest highlights the growing tensions between opposition figures and security forces, raising questions about the state of civil liberties and justice in Uganda.
