After several days of uncertainty regarding his location, which the governments of Kenya and Uganda remained silent about, the four-time presidential candidate finally appeared before the General Court Martial in Makindye.
In a heavily secured environment, Besigye was escorted in handcuffs alongside Hajj Obedi Rutale, with whom he was reportedly abducted in Nairobi, Kenya on November 16, 2024.
The seasoned politician, who was in Nairobi to attend a book launch for former Kenyan Justice Minister and presidential hopeful Martha Karua, had been declared missing since then.
During the court proceedings, which were paused for approximately 20 minutes, Besigye expressed that he had no legal representation, as he had been unable to reach anyone during his detention.
Both he and Rutare also objected to being tried in a military court, asserting their status as civilians.
However, the Court Martial Chairman, Brig Gen. Robert Freeman Mugabe, dismissed their objections, stating that they could indeed face trial in a military court under Section 117 of the UPDF Act G and H.
The former opposition leader and his Rutale were charged with unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
They also stand accused of conducting meetings outside Uganda to raise funds aimed at disrupting the security of their homeland.
These charges are part of a larger investigation by Ugandan authorities, who allege that their actions are designed to destabilize President Yoweri Museveni’s administration.
Both individuals have been remanded in custody until December 2, 2024, as the investigation progresses.
However, their attorney, Erias Lukwago, urged the court martial to dismiss the charges, arguing that the two were wrongfully brought to court from Kenya and that the alleged crimes occurred outside Uganda.
He contended that the charges lack jurisdictional validity, emphasizing that the UPDF Act does not extend its authority beyond national borders.
Lukwago highlighted that proper procedures for extradition or deportation were not followed in this case.
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