KAMPALA, Uganda | In an unexpected development at the General Court Martial in Makindye, Kampala, prominent human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza was arrested during proceedings where he was representing Dr. Kizza Besigye and his aide, Hajj Obeid Lutale. The arrest took place inside the courtroom, reportedly following an exchange between Mr. Kiiza and a military officer at the entrance.

Witnesses say Mr. Kiiza insisted on joining the defense team despite objections from the officer. The situation escalated, leading to his being forcibly escorted from the courtroom to an undisclosed location.

Dr. Besigye and Hajj Lutale face charges of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, allegations they deny. The defense team, led by Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua, has raised concerns over the trial of civilians in a military court, calling for adherence to constitutional protections and the principles of due process.

Following the arrest, the chairperson of the General Court Martial, Brigadier Freeman Mugabe, stated that Mr. Kiiza’s actions were deemed disruptive to court proceedings. However, no detailed explanation has been provided regarding the nature of the alleged misconduct.

The legal fraternity and human rights advocates have expressed alarm over the incident, citing it as part of a growing trend of intimidation against lawyers in politically sensitive cases. The Uganda Law Society is reportedly preparing a response, emphasizing the need for legal professionals to operate without fear of harassment or detention.