KAMPALA, Uganda — A heated exchange erupted between lawyers for retired Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye, led by Erias Lukwago, and army prosecutors, led by Col. Raphael Mugisha, on Monday at the General Court Martial in Makindye.
The clash centered on the practicing certificates of Besigye’s lawyers, with prosecutors arguing that only a few of the 35 defense lawyers, including Lukwago, Eron Kiiza, Nalukoola and Matsiko, had attached their certificates to the instructions given by the accused.
Lukwago requested a short break to interact with the accused persons, citing the need to discuss the case and determine the way forward. The request was granted, and the court adjourned for 30 minutes.
Prosecutor Mugisha argued that the defense lawyers had failed to comply with military regulations, which require lawyers to attach their practicing certificates to their instructions.
However, Lukwago countered that the regulations did not apply in this case, and that the lawyers, including Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua, were properly authorized to represent Besigye.
The exchange highlighted the tensions between the defense team, which also includes lawyers Ernest Kalibala, and the prosecution.
