A court hearing for opposition leaders descended into chaos when violence erupted at Nakawa Chief Magistrate's Court. Security operatives and supporters clashed after an opposition official attempted to record the tense courtroom atmosphere. Punches flew as a plainclothes officer grabbed a phone and attacked people.
Defense lawyers dramatically withdrew from the proceedings over the lead counsel's absence. Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutale, along with UPDF Captain Denis Oola, faced treason charges. The legal team argued they could not continue without Martha Karua present.
The court rejected arguments for the defendants' release on constitutional grounds. Prosecutors maintained the accused had not exceeded pre-trial detention limits. Magistrates sided with the state and ordered the case to proceed.
Besigye and Lutale were originally arrested in Nairobi in November 2024. They faced initial military court charges before the Supreme Court moved their case to a civilian court. The defendants now remain in Luzira Prison after another contentious hearing.
Defense lawyers dramatically withdrew from the proceedings over the lead counsel's absence. Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutale, along with UPDF Captain Denis Oola, faced treason charges. The legal team argued they could not continue without Martha Karua present.
The court rejected arguments for the defendants' release on constitutional grounds. Prosecutors maintained the accused had not exceeded pre-trial detention limits. Magistrates sided with the state and ordered the case to proceed.
Besigye and Lutale were originally arrested in Nairobi in November 2024. They faced initial military court charges before the Supreme Court moved their case to a civilian court. The defendants now remain in Luzira Prison after another contentious hearing.
