KAMPALA, Uganda — Opposition leader Rt. Col. Dr. Kiiza Besigye and co-accused Hajji Obed Lutale were remanded to Luzira prison Wednesday on security and firearms charges.
Besigye, leader of the Uganda Peoples’ Front for Freedom, and Lutale were arrested November 16 in Nairobi, Kenya, and extradited to Uganda.
The two-faced charges of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, and conspiring to undermine Uganda’s security. Prosecutors allege they held meetings in Athens, Greece, Geneva, Switzerland, and Nairobi to mobilize resources against Uganda’s security.
Appearing before a seven-member court martial chaired by Brig. Gen. Freeman Mugabe, Besigye and Lutale denied the charges. Their lawyer, Elias Lukwago, argued the court martial lacks jurisdiction since the alleged offenses occurred outside Uganda.
Lukwago also questioned the legality of their extradition, stating the two entered Kenya legally and did not break any laws.
The case was adjourned until December 2 for mention and ruling.
This marks Besigye’s second court martial, following a 2006 treason case that was later dropped.
