Summary:
- The altercation began when military police blocked Kiiza from accessing the courtroom’s bar. Frustrated, Kiiza reportedly banged on the barricade and demanded entry.
KAMPALA: Tensions on Tuesday flared at the General Court Martial when Eron Kiiza, the lawyer representing opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and co-accused Hajji Obeid Lutale, was arrested following a confrontation with military police officers.
The altercation began when military police blocked Kiiza from accessing the courtroom’s bar. Frustrated, Kiiza reportedly banged on the barricade and demanded entry. The commotion prompted Court Martial Chairperson Lt. Gen. Andrew Gutti to order his immediate arrest.
Witnesses reported that Kiiza was manhandled and forcibly removed from the courtroom. In a dramatic turn, he broke free and joined Besigye and Lutale Kamulegeya in the dock. However, military police swiftly rearrested him, subjected him to further beating, and returned him to the cells.
The incident unfolded amid complaints from opposition members about mistreatment by security personnel at the court premises. Former Leader of Opposition Winnie Kiiza and activist Ingrid Turinawe accused security officers of harassment and intimidation as they attempted to access the venue.
The chaos disrupted court proceedings, forcing a 30-minute adjournment. Some court officials were seen leaving the premises during the turmoil.
Supporters of Dr. Besigye condemned Kiiza’s arrest, describing it as an act of intimidation and accusing the Court Martial of functioning as a “kangaroo court.”
They rallied outside the court, chanting slogans such as “Enough is enough” and decrying what they termed Uganda’s deteriorating state of justice.
The Source Reports.
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