Besigye confronts Judge
The High Court Criminal Division in Kampala witnessed a dramatic showdown today as opposition stalwart Dr. Kizza Besigye, facing treason charges alongside Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, confronted Justice Emmanuel Baguma during a heated court session.
The veteran politician, granted a rare opportunity to speak from the dock, accused the judge of “gross incompetence or bias” and revealed he had filed a formal complaint with the Uganda Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to demand Baguma’s removal from the case.
The trial, which resumed this morning at 9:00 AM EAT, stems from Besigye and Lutale’s alleged abduction from Nairobi, Kenya, in November 2024, where they were forcibly taken by individuals posing as Kenyan police. Charged with plotting against the state, the duo was initially tried in a military court until a January 31, 2025, Supreme Court ruling barred such trials for civilians, transferring the case to civilian courts.
Despite this, Besigye and Lutale have languished in Luzira Maximum Security Prison for nearly a year, fueling accusations of judicial overreach and human rights violations.
In an address to the court, Besigye laid bare his grievances, stating, “Your ruling on our mandatory bail application ignored critical documents from our illegal rendition and detention at Makindye Military Barracks. We have lost valuable time for productive things due to these delays.”
He further challenged the court’s jurisdiction, asserting, “The Nakawa Magistrate’s Court committed us to the International Crimes Division on May 29, 2025, not this court. Why are we here?” Besigye’s remarked suggesting a deliberate stalling to prolong their detention.
Besigye confronts Judge
Besigye announced his JSC complaint, saying, “I have filed a formal complaint with the Judicial Service Commission seeking your removal, and I’m handing you a copy now. Can you, in good conscience, continue presiding over this case?”
The courtroom fell silent as he presented the document to Justice Baguma, who had previously rejected a defense motion for his recusal.
The prosecution pressed forward, citing evidence of the alleged treason plot, though specifics remain under judicial embargo.
