NAKAWA — Uganda’s Judiciary has launched an investigation into the chaotic scenes that erupted at the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court on Thursday during a scheduled appearance by opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused Hajj Obeid Lutale.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo directed an immediate inquiry into the violence and assured the public that all those responsible would be held accountable in accordance with the law.

“The Chief Justice has expressed deep concern over the incident, describing it as both uncalled for and unacceptable,” the statement read. 

“He has directed an immediate investigation into the matter and assured the public that those responsible will be held accountable.”

Violence broke out in the courtroom when plainclothes men believed to be security operatives clashed with opposition officials, leading to physical confrontations that left at least one individual, Paul Kisuule, injured and hospitalized at Bugolobi Hospital. 

The incident occurred moments before the start of proceedings in the high-profile treason case involving Besigye, Lutale, and UPDF Captain Denis Oola.

Footage of the incident showed opposition figure Ingrid Turinawe filming the court environment before her phone was forcefully seized, triggering the violent outburst.

Observers said the courtroom had been overrun by security personnel, creating tension that eventually boiled over into physical altercations. 

“Courts are temples of justice and must remain places of order, impartiality, and respect. Any form of violence within court precincts will not be tolerated,” Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo emphasized.

The Judiciary reaffirmed its commitment to protecting judicial officers, litigants, and the public, adding that preserving the integrity and sanctity of court proceedings is critical to maintaining trust in the justice system.

Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo also called on the public to respect court authority and support the Judiciary’s mandate to administer justice fairly, independently, and without interference or intimidation.

The probe comes amid growing scrutiny of how politically sensitive cases are being handled, with Besigye’s defence team having walked out of court on Thursday in protest over prolonged pretrial detention and the absence of lead counsel Martha Karua.

The accused were returned to Luzira Prison following the hearing.

By ChimpReports