Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale in the Dock on Monday at the General Court-martial
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KAMPALA- Dr. Kiiza Besigye and his aide Hajji Obeid Lutale have filed a petition with the Constitutional Court challenging the UPDF Act’s jurisdiction to try them for offenses that should be handled by civilian courts.

This move comes ahead of tomorrow’s Supreme Court ruling on the trial of civilians in military courts.

Besigye, a member of the opposition party PFF, claims that he and Lutale are being illegally detained at Luzira prison, facing trial for offenses allegedly committed in Kenya, Switzerland and Greece which fall outside the General Court Martial’s territorial jurisdiction.

They also accuse security personnel of kidnapping them from Kenya, holding them incommunicado and repatriating them against their will.

Furthermore, Besigye argues that the General Court Martial cannot provide a fair trial as its members are influenced by the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), who has allegedly threatened him.

Besigye claims,  it violates his right to a fair hearing and presumption of innocence, as protected by the Constitution.

The duo is seeking a court order to terminate their trial and that of other civilians in military courts, citing their right to a fair and speedy trial.

They also request immediate discharge from prison, where they have been held since November 16, 2024, on charges of unlawful possession of firearms and treachery.

They are also asking the court to order the government to cover the costs of their petition which has involved 13 law firms.

The Attorney General of Uganda has been listed as the respondent and is yet to respond to the petition and application for a temporary injunction.