Heavy Secuty and Thick Tension Outside Court Martial

Security around the court was extraordinarily tight. Armed soldiers patrolled the roads leading to the court, creating an air of unease and heightened vigilance.

The atmosphere outside Makindye Military Court was tense and charged with emotions as Dr Kizza Besigye appeared to face charges, including the illegal possession of firearms, levied against him by the Ugandan government.

Security around the court was extraordinarily tight. Armed soldiers patrolled the roads leading to the court, creating an air of unease and heightened vigilance.

The media faced difficulties, with several journalists being denied access to the court premises.

Access to the court compound was also tightly controlled. Security personnel conducted rigorous screening, including extensive questioning, making it impossible for many, including myself, to get past the gates.

Inside the outer compound, Dr Besigye’s legal team, led by Martha Karua, was seen in a closed-door meeting preparing for the proceedings. Some lawyers hurried to secure access as time ticked on.

When Dr. Besigye was brought into the courtroom, the scene outside erupted. His supporters, many of whom had gathered in large numbers, sang songs in his praise, while some inside the courtroom joined in celebration.

Dr Besigye was escorted into the courtroom under heavy guard, an image that was a stark reminder of the serious nature of the charges against him.

Outside the court, 82-year-old John Chrisestom Kiwanuka waited anxiously, hoping to stand as surety for Dr Besigye.

"I am here to stand surety for Dr Besigye. He is a good leader. He should not be in this Kangaroo...," Kiwanuka said, expressing his frustration.

Tensions escalated when security officials clashed with some of the lawyers, including renowned figures like Erias Lukwago. Lukwago, who refused to surrender his mobile phone, was initially denied access.

This sparked a confrontation, and other lawyers visibly frustrated by the situation attempted to negotiate access.

One lawyer, Eron Kiiza, even resorted to doing push-ups outside the court as a form of protest before he was eventually allowed inside.

Inside the courtroom, verbal exchanges between the defense team and prosecution intensified as lawyers defended their client.

Meanwhile, Besigye’s supporters, growing increasingly restless, began to create a scene outside the court, attempting to storm the premises, but were quickly restrained by security forces.

After hours of waiting, the court adjourned around 3pm. Dr Besigye's lawyers briefed the media on the proceedings inside, but we were unable to witness Dr Besigye leaving the court.

However, from the cheers and chants outside, it was clear that he had been escorted away in a drone van, flanked by heavily armed soldiers.