Judiciary condemns violence at Nakawa Court

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The Judiciary has condemned the chaotic scenes that played out at Nakawa Chief Magistrates’ Court on May 23, 2025, when four-time presidential candidate Dr Kizza Besigye and his co-accused appeared before the court.

The commotion began when plain-clothed security officers in the courtroom attempted to confiscate a phone from Ingrid Turinawe on suspicion of filming them.

When Turinawe resisted handing over her phone, a scuffle ensued, and one person was injured in the process.

A press release issued on May 24, 2025, stated that Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo has directed an immediate investigation into the matter so that those responsible are held accountable in accordance with the law.

“The Chief Justice has expressed deep concern over the incident, describing it as both uncalled for and unacceptable,” the statement reads in part.

Judiciary spokesperson James Ereemye Mawanda said courts are temples of justice and must remain places of order, impartiality, and respect.

He noted that any form of violence within court precincts will not be tolerated.

“The Judiciary reaffirms its commitment to protecting all judicial officers, court users, litigants, observers, and the general public,” the Chief Justice said.

Owiny-Dollo called upon all court users and members of the general public to respect the authority of the courts and to support the Judiciary in its mandate to administer justice fairly, independently, and without interference or intimidation.

Similar chaotic scenes played out at the same court on Monday, as plain-clothed security operatives picked up some of Besigye’s supporters after the court session.

Arresting suspects who have been released on bail by courts, along with some of their supporters, is not exclusive to opposition figures.

In August last year, Busiki County legislator Paul Akamba was also re-arrested in the precincts of the Anti-Corruption Court after being released on bail on charges of corruption, leading to chaotic scenes.

Besigye’s lawyers storm out of court

Meanwhile, when the court convened, Besigye’s lawyers, led by Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, declined to proceed in the absence of the lead defence lawyer in the matter, Martha Karua, a Kenyan political figure.

They argued that the matter had already been adjourned to May 29 and questioned the logic behind the production warrant.

“May it please you, your Worship, I am Erias Lukwago, appearing together with (mentions the defence lawyers present in court). Your Worship, we don't know why we are here, and we have no instructions from the accused (Besigye and Lutale) to represent them in this court session. Can we be guided?” Lukwago asked?

In reply, Chief Magistrate Christine Nantege said, "You are in court, you will know."

Unsatisfied with her reply, Lukwago and the rest of the defence lawyers, along with Besigye’s supporters, walked out of the courtroom.

Consequently, Chief State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka asked the court to proceed with Besigye and Lutale representing themselves. However, Besigye declined, saying:

“I am not a lawyer; I hardly know the gymnastics of the procedure. There were many things that were being talked about. I don’t know whether or when I should step in or not. I told you I have two preliminary matters. When you say that the matter can continue without my lawyers, I did not know that it had come to that. If the prosecution wants to continue with us not being represented, Your Worship, we have nothing to do,” Besigye said.

Baffled by Besigye’s statements, Nantege adjourned the matter to 29 May.

The charges

Besigye, his aide Obeid Lutale, and Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) soldier Captain Denis Oala are charged with treason.

Prosecution alleges that Besigye, Lutale, Oala, and others still at large, between 2023 and November 2024 in various places including Geneva (Switzerland), Athens (Greece), Nairobi (Kenya), and Kampala (Uganda), contrived a plot, act, or matter by force of arms to overturn the Government of Uganda as by law established, and expressed or declared such a plot, act, or matter by utterances and overt acts.

Sources indicate that the prosecution intends to add another charge of terrorism. This comes after Besigye and Lutale applied before the High Court for mandatory release from custody after spending 180 days on remand.

Background

Besigye and Lutale were arrested in Kenya in November last year, where they had allegedly gone to attend a book launch by Karua.

They were later arraigned before the General Court Martial on charges relating to subversion.

However, they declined to take a plea, arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction over them as civilians. Later, Oala—who was already on remand—was added to the duo’s case file.

Before the Army court could proceed with their trial, the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, rendered a judgment in the case of Attorney General versus Michel Kabaziguruka, declaring the trial of civilians before military courts unconstitutional.

Consequently, the case was forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Jane Frances Abodo, for review. After perusing the file, the trio were charged with treason.