Kampala, Uganda – Veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Hajji Obeid Lutale, have declared that they will no longer appear before High Court Judge Emmanuel Baguma in their ongoing treason proceedings, citing bias and incompetence.
The announcement was made through their legal team during a press conference in Kampala. Lawyer Eron Kiiza, who represents the duo, said his clients had completely lost confidence in Justice Baguma’s impartiality.
“Our clients feel that Justice Baguma has already taken sides and is handling their matter with prejudice. For this reason, they will not return before him, and we are formally demanding that he recuses himself from the case,” Kiiza told journalists.
The declaration comes just a week before the high-profile treason trial is scheduled to begin on September 1, 2025. Dr. Besigye, a four-time presidential contender and former president of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), and Lutale, a veteran activist, face charges of treason stemming from remarks and activities prosecutors allege were meant to incite the public and undermine the state. Both men deny the allegations, insisting the case is politically motivated.
Today’s press briefing followed a fresh bail application that was expected to be heard before Justice Baguma. Instead, the defense team raised objections to his continued handling of the case, accusing him of bias and incompetence.
The development has thrown the fate of the trial into uncertainty, with legal analysts warning of possible delays if the judiciary does not appoint another judge.
“This is no longer about the merits of the case alone, but about judicial independence in politically sensitive trials.”
The judiciary has not yet issued a statement on whether Justice Baguma will recuse himself. As it stands, the case remains listed for September 1, setting the stage for a potential legal showdown between the defense and the state.
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