Former presidential candidate and opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye appeared at the General Court Martial in Makindye this morning for a much-anticipated bail hearing. The court will also rule on whether it has jurisdiction to try him, a contentious issue that has drawn significant public attention due to legal and procedural disputes involving his defense team.
Dr. Besigye, transported in a drone van and escorted by a convoy of military vehicles, has been in remand since December 2, 2024. His detention followed his legal team’s request for more time to obtain a special practicing certificate for his lead counsel, Kenyan lawyer and former presidential candidate Martha Karua.
However, the Uganda Law Council denied Karua the necessary certification, leaving her participation in today’s proceedings uncertain. At the time of Besigye’s arrival, Karua and the rest of his legal team had yet to reach the court.
The session, set to commence at 10 a.m., is being closely observed by Besigye’s supporters, family, and prominent political figures. The court’s ruling is expected to address critical legal issues with potential implications for similar cases in the future.
