Mpuuga Condemns Makindye Court Martial’s Phone Ban

The Commissioner of Parliament and Nyendo-Mukungwe MP, Mathias Mpuuga, has criticized the General Court Martial in Makindye for barring lawyers from accessing court with mobile phones, describing the decision as “strange and disturbing.”
In a post shared on his X account, Mpuuga expressed dissatisfaction with the court’s requirement for lawyers to carry bulky physical files, arguing that modern technology makes it unnecessary.
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“It’s strange and disturbing that in this day and age, army personnel in the General Court Martial still expect lawyers to move around with huge files!” Mpuuga wrote.
“Technology has made it possible to carry all relevant files on a small gadget like a mobile phone. The days of not allowing phones into a court are long gone,” he added.
The legislator further questioned the court’s jurisdiction in the trial of opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye, asserting that, as a retired officer, Besigye should not be subject to military court proceedings.
“We don’t believe in this trial because Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale are civilians who don’t fall under the jurisdiction of military courts,” he added.
Mpuuga made the remarks after attending a session at the Makindye-based court, where Besigye was seeking bail.
The veteran opposition leader is charged with illegal possession of two pistols and allegedly soliciting assistance that could compromise national security.
His co-accused, Hajji Obeid Lutale, faces similar charges.
The ban on mobile phones and other gadgets for lawyers and court attendees has drawn criticism, with many arguing that it undermines effective legal representation and reflects outdated practices.
Besigye has been remanded to Luzira until December 10, when the court is expected to rule on his bail application.