The lawyers expressed their frustration over the delays, as the hearing was scheduled to commence at 10 a.m., yet they remained waiting hours later. “We have a right to access the court and represent our clients. This delay is unwarranted and unacceptable,” one lawyer stated during the standoff with military officers, who cited the need for additional consultations before granting entry.
This confrontation follows recent actions by the army to restrict lawyers’ access to military court proceedings. Dr. Besigye and Lutale face serious charges, including illegal possession of firearms and alleged plans to destabilize the Ugandan government. The state claims that Besigye was recorded negotiating for weapons and drones intended to target President Yoweri Museveni’s aircraft. However, the defense team has dismissed these allegations as politically motivated, emphasizing that the alleged crimes occurred outside Uganda’s jurisdiction.