Detained Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and his associate Obeid Lutale have formally requested High Court Judge Emmanuel Baguma to transfer their case to the International Crimes Division of the High Court.
The duo contends that their indictment for treason was committed by the Nakawa Magistrates Court under the jurisdiction of the International Crimes Division, not the Criminal Division, where they are currently being tried.
In a rare move permitted by Justice Baguma, Dr. Besigye addressed the court directly to express his concerns. He voiced deep frustration and disappointment at being tried in what he called the “wrong court,” arguing that the Criminal Division never received their indictment.
Dr. Besigye also questioned the impartiality and competence of Justice Baguma, citing previous proceedings and decisions as evidence of judicial bias. He detailed their alleged abduction and rendition to Uganda and accused the judge of failing to fairly assess the documents submitted in the case.
“All the documents from the General Court Martial have been filed alongside our applications, and the affidavits we swore contained detailed accounts from our arrest to our remand. These were accepted as truthful by the prosecution,” Besigye said. “Our lawyers referred extensively to these documents in open court. My Lord, we are left to conclude that either you are grossly incompetent and unable to comprehend the documents before you, or at least biased, both of which are serious concerns. That is why we have filed a formal complaint with the Judicial Service Commission against you.”
In their complaint to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), Besigye and Lutale are seeking disciplinary action against Justice Baguma, including his possible removal from office.
“We can no longer expect justice from this court,” Besigye told the judge. “Yet we come to court because it is supposed to be the temple of justice.”
Justice Baguma is expected to deliver a ruling on Besigye and Lutale’s request and related concerns on October 15, 2025.
