FDC condemns trying Besigye in army court

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The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party has criticised the Ugandan army for trying its founding president, Dr Kizza Besigye, and his friend, Hajji Obeid Lutale, in the General Court Martial.

Dr Kizza Besigye. (File/Colleb Mugume)

FDC president Eng. Patrick Amuriat says the charges against the duo relate to events allegedly committed in Switzerland, Greece and Kenya, which fall “entirely outside the jurisdiction” of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Act.

“This misuse of military courts to target political leaders and activists is a blatant abuse of judicial processes and a calculated effort to stifle dissent,” he said in a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday, November 20.

This was a few hours after the duo was charged with four counts, including possession of a pistol at Riverside Apartments in Nairobi, Kenya and holding meetings in Greece and Switzerland with the alleged intent to undermine Uganda’s security.

Dr Kizza Besigye, and his friend, Hajji Obeid Lutale, in the General Court Martial. (File/Colleb Mugume)

They were remanded to Luzira Maximum Security Prison in Kampala until December 2, 2024.

Amuriat also said they were “gravely concerned about the persistent pattern of Uganda’s military abduction of members of the opposition from neighbouring countries without following due legal procedures”.

“This act, executed without adherence to established international and regional deportation procedures, is a grave violation of international law and undermines the sovereignty and legal frameworks of the Republic of Kenya,” he said.

The FDC urged the government of Kenya, regional authorities and the international community to “unequivocally condemn these violations” and demand the immediate release of the duo.

“As advocates for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting the freedoms and dignity of all Ugandans,” Amuriat added.

When he was arraigned amid tight security, Besigye contested the army court’s jurisdiction, arguing that neither he nor his co-accused are serving military officers.

He also wondered whether proceedings could continue in the absence of legal representation.

However, Brig. Gen. Freeman Mugabe, the chairperson of the court, ruled that the court had jurisdiction, citing the duo’s alleged possession of firearms as grounds for trial under military law.

Besigye and Lutale were arrested in Nairobi on November 16, 2024, while they were heading for Martha Karua’s book launch.