Retired Colonel Kizza Besigye made his first physical appearance at Buganda Road Court today, days after a Supreme Court ruling that had raised anticipation over his legal fate.
Besigye, who had missed an earlier court session citing ill health, appeared frail as he stood in the dock alongside his co-accused, Lubega Mukaaku.
The courtroom was packed, with supporters of the opposition figure and a heavy security presence marking the morning proceedings.
Besigye, unable to stand for long periods, was handed a stool in the dock as his lawyer, Erias Lukwago, raised concerns about his detention. Lukwago urged the court to first address what he termed as human rights violations before proceeding with the case.
"I pray, Your Honour, that you stay the proceedings and first address the human rights issue," Lukwago argued, insisting that Besigye was being deprived of his liberty in contravention of Article 22 of the Constitution.
He challenged the state and prison authorities to produce the warrant under which his client was being kept on remand.
In response, the prosecution contended that the Supreme Court ruling did not directly mandate Besigye’s release, emphasising that the State was still within its 14-day window to act.
"Let’s not mix matters—those are separate issues," one prosecutor stated.
Lukwago, however, dismissed this argument, questioning the legal basis of his client’s continued detention.
Magistrate Winnie Nankya ruled for an adjournment, setting the next hearing for February 20.
Dr Besigye is not in detention over the case for which he was appearing in court today, instead he was locked up last November by the military court.