A Ugandan military court resumed the trial of veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye on Tuesday, amid escalating concerns over judicial transparency following the detention of one of his defence lawyers, Eron Kiiza, without formal charges.
Besigye, a 68-year-old retired army colonel and former personal physician to President Yoweri Museveni, was abducted last year in Nairobi, Kenya, while attending a book launch hosted by Kenyan opposition leader Martha Karua. Rights groups and his spouse condemned the abduction as a violation of international law.
The opposition figure stands accused of possessing weapons and other offences under military court jurisdiction. In court, Besigye was joined by his co-accused, Obeid Lutale, and lead lawyer Martha Karua, who was recently granted a temporary licence to practice in Uganda after a prior denial sparked backlash from rights organisations.
Lawyer Erias Lukwago, another member of Besigye’s defence team, revealed that military personnel attempted to bar the lawyers from entering the courtroom. He further disclosed that Eron Kiiza was detained and summarily sentenced to nine months in prison for alleged misconduct, without formal charges or a proper hearing.
“A lawyer representing his client being sent to prison without charges is a travesty of justice,” Lukwago said, condemning the military court’s actions. The hearing also witnessed tense scuffles between security forces and supporters outside the courtroom.
This trial unfolds against the backdrop of increasing government crackdowns on opposition voices, as Uganda prepares for presidential elections scheduled for early 2026.
President Museveni recently unveiled an election roadmap, with voter registration commencing on Tuesday.
The case has intensified scrutiny on Uganda’s human rights record and the government’s handling of political dissent.
