Heightened Security Causes Tension as Dr. Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutale Appear at High Court

Tension mounted on various roads around Kampala as Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Obeid Lutale, appeared at the High Court at Twed Towers in the Central Division. The high level of security was due to lawyers filing for their unconditional release following the January 31, 2025, Supreme Court ruling, which declared the trial of civilians in military courts unlawful.

However, the government has yet to implement the Supreme Court's directive to transfer all civilian cases from military tribunals to courts of judicature. During Besigye and Lutale’s appearance, at least seven police patrols and three Uganda Prisons Service vehicles were parked on Kafu, Nakasero, and Kyadondo roads. These vehicles were filled with heavily armed personnel from Uganda Prisons Service, Uganda Police's Counter-Terrorism (CT) officers, crime intelligence officers, and military personnel, all deployed at strategic points outside the court.

Bodaboda riders dropping off lawyers, journalists, and other members of the public were given less than 15 seconds to leave the area. Counter-terrorism and general duty police officers blocked vehicles heading to Kyadondo, Kafu, and Nakasero roads. Additionally, civilian vendors, including those selling newspapers along Kafu Road, were not allowed to set up their stalls.

However, journalists covering the court proceedings were not interrupted, which is typically not the case on such occasions. Accessing the courtrooms inside Twed Towers was nearly impossible. Several people, including Dr. Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, were initially denied entry until the court was sent into recess. Many journalists, lawyers, and human rights activists were also barred from entering as counter-terrorism and prison officers stood guard at the entrance. As Dr. Besigye and Lutale were being escorted out of the courtroom after the recess, supporters sang protest songs. “Never, never, never surrender…never, never, never surrender. We shall overcome. Museveni will die. Besigye will live. Muhoozi will die. Besigye will live,” the crowd chanted.

Later, former Serere Woman Member of Parliament, Alice Alaso, was seen briefing Winnie Byanyima on what had transpired inside the court, as she was one of the few allowed to enter before 9 am. Outside the court, a few people attempted to rally the crowd to act against the security officers and free Dr. Besigye and Lutale from their custody. 

“We’re just weak. We are not determined. If we are determined, we can grab Dr. Besigye from these men. Let’s do it today and teach them a lesson. If it means exchanging fists, let’s do it now,” a man shouted, though his call went unanswered. At each level of Twed Tower, at least five uniformed security personnel were stationed to prevent any security lapses. Some people who initially went to the High Court headquarters on Buganda Road and Lumumba Avenue were redirected by security personnel to Twed Towers, where the Besigye and Lutale cases were being heard.