Besigye, who has been on remand since December 2, 2024, was transported to the court in a drone van, escorted by a convoy of military vehicles. His detention followed a request from his legal team for additional time to secure a special practicing certificate for lead counsel Martha Karua, a Kenyan lawyer and former presidential candidate. However, the Uganda Law Council denied her the necessary certification, leading to uncertainty regarding her participation in today’s proceedings.
By the time Besigye appeared at the court, his defense team had not yet arrived, prompting concerns about the adequacy of his representation. The court was scheduled to begin its session at 10 AM, with a crowd of Besigye’s supporters, family members, and prominent political figures closely monitoring the case. The ruling is expected to address key legal questions that could have broader implications for similar cases involving political figures in Uganda.