Kampala, Uganda: Dramatic scenes erupted at the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court on Friday morning after suspected security operatives clothed in civilian attire stormed the courtroom and began punching opposition supporters moments before fresh terrorism charges were read out against Dr. Kizza Besigye, his aide Obeid Lutale, and UPDF’s Capt. Dennis Oola.
The trio appeared before the magistrate on new charges that the state alleges were committed between 2023 and November 2024 in Switzerland, Kenya, and Uganda. According to the prosecution, the accused are linked to unspecified acts of terrorism in collaboration with others still at large.
The unexpected violence sent the courtroom into disarray, with plain-clothed individuals, believed to be operatives of the Defence Intelligence and Security (DIS), formerly Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), seen physically assaulting opposition supporters in full view of court officials.
The motive behind the attack was unclear, though some observers suspect an attempt to intimidate or disorganize the legal team and supporters of the accused.
Defence lawyers strongly protested what they described as a procedural ambush and state coercion. They revealed that earlier in the week, they had requested an adjournment to a date within the same week, a plea the court rejected, only to be shocked by a sudden production warrant issued for their clients to reappear on fresh charges.
“We were never formally served with the new charges, nor notified of the change in hearing schedule. This is a clear abuse of legal process,” one of the lawyers remarked.
Dr. Besigye, a four-time presidential contender and longtime opposition figure, has consistently accused the state of weaponizing the judiciary to silence dissent. His renewed court battle now comes amid an already volatile political atmosphere ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Captain Dennis Oola, who is affiliated with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), also faces scrutiny within the military establishment, although UPDF has not publicly commented on his involvement in the case.
Court proceedings were briefly halted as police were called in to restore order. No arrests were made following the melee.
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