There was total chaos at the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Nakawa this morning as supporters and relatives of opposition strongman Col. (Rtd) Dr. Kizza Besigye clashed with plainclothes security operatives believed to be from the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence, commonly known as JATT.
The scuffle broke out shortly after veteran politician and FDC stalwart Ingrid Turinawe attempted to record video footage of the scene outside the courtroom where Besigye was expected to appear under a production warrant issued yesterday.
Turinawe, who appeared unaware of the identities of some plainclothes men stationed around the courtroom, was confronted by individuals who demanded her phone , triggering an uproar.
According to eyewitnesses, the confrontation escalated quickly when several of Besigye’s supporters rushed to her defense, leading to a full-blown fistfight right inside the court premises.
“They just wanted her phone. She was simply recording us and chanting slogans. Then the so-called security guys pounced on her. That’s how the fight broke out,” said one angry supporter who asked not to be named.
Family members of Besigye also decried what they described as “state-sponsored intimidation and denial of access to justice,” alleging that security officers had blocked them from entering court to follow proceedings.
Despite the commotion, court session went on with heavy deployment of both uniformed and plainclothes officers around the premises.
Ssemujju Nganda, the Kira Municipality MP who was present in court during the scuffle narrated that the plain clothed security operatives have turned the civilian courts into military ones.
“We have military court now in a civilian one. These people have made it a habit to come to court early and beat, arrest or chase away people who have a right to attend court session. We are not safe” he said
Dr. Besigye, who is being held at Luzira Upper Prison, is facing charges of treason and misprision to treason under Criminal Case No. 20 of 2025 alongside Haji Obeid Lutale and Capt. Senis Oola.
