By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
One of the lawyers representing Uganda’s opposition Kingpin, Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused Hajji Obeid Lutale has been sentenced to nine months in prison by the General Court Martial for contempt of court.
Eron Kiiza, had earlier on Tuesday, 7th January, 2025 been arrested after a heated disagreement with military police officers.
The officers had blocked Kiiza from accessing the bar, prompting him to bang on the barricade and insist on entering. This led Court Martial Chairperson Mugabe to order his arrest.
Kiiza was beaten and removed from the courtroom, but he managed to break free and join Besigye and Hajji Lutale Kamulegeya in the dock. However, he was rearrested, beaten again, and returned to the cells.
The incident occurred amid complaints from opposition members about harsh treatment by security officers while attempting to access the court premises. Former Leader of Opposition Winnie Kiiza and Ingrid Turinawe reported being harassed by security personnel outside the court.
The sentencing of Kiiza prompted the Defence team led by Kenya’s Martha Karua to abandon proceedings saying they could not proceed without one of them.
Karua insisted that the Defendants had instructed them not to proceed without Kiiza because he had critical submissions to present to the court martial.
The Court was adjourned until 13th January, 2025 when Kizza and Obeid will return to court for mention of their case.
