Besigye’s Lawyers Could Reach 100, says Eron Kiiza.
The General Court Martial of Uganda has been told to prepare enough space for lawyers , as the legal defense team of Dr. Con. Kizza Besigye May rise to over 100.
This was revealed by City lawyer Eron Kiiza, who is part of Dr. Besigye’s legal team. He was addressing the Media on the current status of Besigye, along with co-accused Hajj Obeid Lutale who are charged with offenses allegedly committed in multiple countries, including Uganda, Kenya, and Greece.
Eron Kiiza revealed that more lawyers coming in from Nigeria, Zambia, and Central African Republic (CAR), were still processing their entry into Uganda to join Besigye’s legal team. .
“We don’t think we have enough lawyers. We have lawyers coming in from Nigeria, Zambia, and CAR, who are still processing their entry. The number may rise to 100, so the court martial is being notified to provide space for the lawyers Besigye will have.” Said Eron Kiiza.
Yesterday, when Besigye was arraigned before General Court Martial Chairperson Brig. Freeman Mugabe, the defense team led by Kampala Lord Mayor Elias Lukwago comprised of 35 lawyers. According to Luwago, they had earlier planned to form a 50 man squad , captained by Former Kenya Minister of Justice Martha Karua, but the Uganda Law Council had not yet approved her legal practice In Uganda.
Lukwago said that their clients had instructed them to request for court adjournment pending Martha Karua’s clearance.
Eron Kiiza says that the Uganda Law Council which is supposed to expedite the process has indicated that Martha Karua may receive her license on today, while other lawyers are also making applications for special licences.
“There shouldn’t be any hullabaloo, as the Kenya Law Society has confirmed that Karua is a Senior Counsel and a lawyer of good standing. There are other lawyers making applications for the special license.” Eron Kiiza added.
Besigye and Lutale, were yesterday remanded back to Luzira Prison until December 10, 2024, when their cases will be further mentioned.
Accusations against them include; engaging in a series of meetings in Athens, Geneva, and Nairobi between October 2023 and November 2024, with the goal of mobilizing resources and support for anti-government activities in Uganda.
The two are currently on remand facing three counts of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, which were allegedly seized from them during their arrest in Kenya on November 16, 2024.
