Most Fearless Man!! See What Dr Kizza Besigye Did Before Military Court
Opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye has refused to be tried by the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) General Court Martial, asserting that he is not a member of the military and should be tried in a civilian court if accused of any offense.
“I object to being tried by a military court because I am not a member of the UPDF. I ask to be tried in a civilian court,” Besigye stated during his appearance before the Makindye-based military court on Wednesday.
Besigye, an outspoken critic of President Museveni, faces charges of subversion. His allies have described his recent arrest as a “dramatic abduction” from Nairobi, Kenya, over the weekend. He was reportedly brought to court under heavy military guard.
The court proceedings have drawn attention and solidarity from officials of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Besigye’s political party. However, military personnel barred FDC members and supporters from accessing the hearing.
The atmosphere around the court remains tense as FDC members, led by Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, demand justice for the former presidential candidate.
Concerns Over Legal Representation
Besigye’s legal team, led by Lukwago, expressed frustration over their lack of access to the opposition leader before the hearing.
“We have not had access to Dr. Besigye since his disappearance on Saturday in Nairobi. As his lawyers, we need to interact with him to understand his story and prepare his defense,” Lukwago said.
Lukwago criticized the military court for proceeding without allowing Besigye proper legal representation. “It is unfair to rule on this matter before the accused has had the benefit of consulting his legal team,” he added.
The situation has sparked widespread concern among human rights advocates and political observers, who view Besigye’s arrest and trial as part of a broader crackdown on dissent in Uganda.
The state has requested the court to proceed with the trial despite objections, but Besigye and his lawyers remain firm in their demand for a fair trial in a civilian court.