The Military Court, presided over by Brigadier Robert Freeman Mugabe, remanded the accused until January 14, 2025, when the court will decide whether it has jurisdiction to try the case.
The amended charges now include Captain Denis Ola, a serving officer in the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) attached to the Armored Brigade, who appeared in court in military uniform alongside the accused. T
In his ruling, General Court Martial Chairperson Brigadier Robert Freeman Mugabe declined the request to produce Eron Kiiza, stating that as a convict, Kiiza could not execute legal duties. Mugabe noted that the Judge Advocate could advise if this position is incorrect.
The first batch of individuals arriving were journalists, most of whom had gathered outside the gate by 7 a.m. The journalists waited briefly across the road until a soldier in charge of the media arrived. He registered them and escorted them inside.
On Tuesday afternoon, the prosecution, led by Col. Raphael Mugisha, informed the Court, presided over by Brigadier Robert Freeman Mugabe, about the development. Mugisha explained that during the course of investigations, new details had emerged.
According to the prosecution, led by Col. Raphael Mugisha, only lawyers from AF Mpanga Advocates—Fredrick Mpanga, Apollo Katumba, and Ernest Kalibala—were formally instructed to represent the accused.
The two appeared before the Makindye-based military court on Wednesday afternoon, chaired by Brigadier Freeman Mugabe. They were charged with two counts of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The FDC team rushed to the court after Brigadier Felix Kulayigye, the Ministry of Defense spokesperson, disclosed that Besigye, previously feared kidnapped, would be brought before the military court. This development forced the faction to cut short an emergency meeting convened to address Besigye’s unknown whereabouts.
“Go to Makindye Court Martial today at 11 am; you will find the answer you need,” said Brig. Felix Kulaigye, the UPDF spokesperson, when contacted by Uganda Radio Network regarding Besigye’s whereabouts.
“I request the govt [government] of Uganda to release my husband Dr Kizza Besigye from where he is being held immediately. Last Saturday, he was kidnapped in Nairobi for Hon. Martha Karua’s book launch. I am now reliably informed that he is in a military jail in Kampala. We his family and his lawyers demand to see him. He is not a soldier. Why is he being held in a military jail?” Byanyima’s post reads.
Karua, who also served as a High court advocate, legislator and Justice Minister in Kenya, says women need to appreciate that they live in a patriarchy society where men are fronted beyond women and hence need to fight for space.