Besigye's Lawyers Ask Court Martial to Produce Eron Kiiza for Legal Representation

Lead Counsel Martha Karua emphasised the challenges the defense team has faced since Kiiza’s conviction, including intimidation and the fear it has caused, which has led some lawyers to avoid attending court.
Lawyers representing opposition stalwart Kizza Besigye have requested that the General Court Martial order the production of Eron Kiiza, a key member of the defence team, who was sentenced to nine months in prison for contempt of court.
Dr Besigye and his co-accused, Obeid Lutaale Kamulegeya, face charges of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
During today’s proceedings, Besigye’s legal team raised several concerns, which they referred to as “housekeeping matters.”
Lead Counsel Martha Karua emphasised the challenges the defense team has faced since Kiiza’s conviction, including intimidation and the fear it has caused, which has led some lawyers to avoid attending court.
Ms Karua also highlighted the court's frequent changes in panel members, some of whom did not wear name tags, and reiterated concerns about language use after a prior warning from the Judge Advocate about referring to the court as a “tribunal".
The defence team argued that Kiiza's absence, as one of Besigye’s lawyers, infringes on the accused's right to legal representation.
Lawyer Erias Lukwago further stated that each defence lawyer has a specific role, and the constant changes in the court panel have raised doubts about the validity of the proceedings.
He also criticised the court's decision to block lawyers’ vehicles from accessing the premises.
However, Brigadier Robert Freeman Mugabe, the presiding officer, dismissed the request to bring Kiiza to court, asserting that as a convicted individual, Kiiza was not eligible to participate in the proceedings.
Gen Mugabe also addressed concerns about security measures, explaining that the heavy security presence was necessary to ensure the safety of all court users.
The Judge Advocate, Brigadier Richard Tukacungurwa, reinforced the position that the court should not be referred to as a "tribunal" and asserted that Kiiza’s absence would not violate the accused's right to legal representation, considering the presence of over 30 other lawyers working on the case.
As the legal dispute continues, Besigye and Lutale remain in the dock, calmly following the proceedings.
The defense team’s concerns, particularly regarding the constitutional interpretation of the UPDF’s jurisdiction over civilians, remain unresolved, and further developments are anticipated.