A brief commotion was witnessed Tuesday morning at the Judiciary headquarters in Uganda when a team of lawyers and journalists were denied entry.
The team led by Erias Lukwago, Eron Kizza and Martha Karua wanted to meet the country’s Chief Justice.
Security officers had a rough time restraining the group as it tried to force its way into the offices while accompanied by journalists.
The lawyers were following up on a ruling by a constitutional court declaring the trial of civilians at the court martial unconstitutional.
The court adjourned Monday the trial of Kizza Besigyye and Obeid Lutale until December 10.
The defence lawyers requested an adjournment to allow time to process the temporary practising licence for Karua.
Karua, the Narc-K party leader, has to be issued a temporary license by the Ugandan Law Council to allow her to defend Besigye in the case.
This followed a closed-door meeting between the lawyers and Besigye.
The two are set to return to court on the day for the ruling and mention of their case.
They face charges relating to national security and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
This is not the first time Besigye has been charged in court martial.
In 2006, he was charged with treason and other crimes, all of which were later dismissed.
Besigye and Lutale are alleged to have been abducted by Ugandan security operatives in Nairobi where they had planned to attend Karua’s book launch before being taken to Uganda.
Speaking to NTV Uganda Monday, Karua said her application was yet to be processed at the time Besigye was being arraigned at the court martial.
Karua said she had a telephone call with Justice Irene Mulyagonja who assured her to look into the matter and give feedback on Tuesday.
“I have in turn tasked her and pleaded that they process my application expeditiously because the case is going on today and I will not be able to address the court without the approval,” she said.
