Dramatic scenes erupted at the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court this morning when unidentified men, believed to be security agents in plain clothes, stormed the courtroom and began assaulting opposition supporters.
The chaos unfolded shortly before the expected court appearance of four-time presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye, his aide Obeid Lutale, and Capt. Dennis Oola of the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF).
The trio is facing fresh terrorism-related charges, which prosecutors allege were committed between 2023 and November 2024 across multiple countries including Switzerland, Kenya, and Uganda.
Eyewitnesses described the courtroom as descending into panic as the unidentified individuals forcefully entered and began punching attendees believed to be opposition sympathizers. Court security appeared overwhelmed, and several people were seen fleeing the building for safety.
“This is a direct attack on justice and a clear sign of political intimidation,” said one supporter outside the courtroom, visibly shaken.
The state has not officially commented on the violent incident or confirmed the identities of those involved in the assaults. However, human rights activists have already raised alarm, calling for an independent investigation and greater protection for individuals attending politically sensitive trials.
Relatedly, Dr Kizza Besigye’s lawyers walked out of court after it ruled that proceedings would continue without lead lawyer Martha Karua.It was on that account that Court ordered for Dr. Besigye to be returned to prison and deferred the ruling on his application to an unknown date.
Dr. Besigye, a long-time critic of President Museveni’s administration, has faced numerous arrests and legal challenges over the years. The court session was briefly postponed to restore order, and proceedings are expected to resume under tight security.