A heavy military presence is evident at the General Court Martial in Makindye, where Dr. Kizza Besigye and his associate Hajj Obeid Lutale are awaiting a ruling on their petition challenging the court’s authority to try them.
Access roads to the court are partially blocked, with military trucks placed at key locations. Military police are controlling traffic, while supporters of the two prominent figures are kept outside the court’s gates.
Inside, 10 soldiers are positioned at the staircase to the courtroom, and over 20 more are stationed within the court premises.
The heightened security reflects the high-profile nature of the case, which has drawn considerable public and political attention.
Several political figures, including former MP John Ken Lukyamuzi, FDC Chairperson Wasswa Biriggwa, Harold Kaija, and Roland Mugume, are waiting for the ruling under a tent in the court compound, emphasizing the political significance of the case.
Family members of Lutale, including his wife Halima, are also present, anxiously observing the developments.
The court proceedings are set to start at 10 a.m, but the legal team representing Besigye and Lutale, led by Martha Karua, has not yet arrived. There is uncertainty about the matter, as Karua had previously been denied a practice certificate in Uganda. The court had adjourned the case to give her time to secure the required credentials.
It is unclear whether the ruling will proceed as planned due to these legal challenges. The case has garnered widespread attention, with the outcome expected to set a significant precedent on the jurisdiction of military courts over civilian cases.