The High Court is expected to deliver a ruling on an application by former presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye, challenging the competence and jurisdiction of presiding judge Emmanuel Baguma in his ongoing case.
Earlier this month, Besigye filed a formal complaint with the Uganda Judicial Service Commission, citing concerns over the judge’s impartiality and procedural conduct. However, no official response has been received to date.
The application also questions the court’s jurisdiction and raises issues over the alleged misidentification of one of the co-accused, Captain Oola.
“In your ruling, you stated it was your considered opinion that the main case should take priority over our bail application. In other words, you had already formed a view on the matter,” Besigye said during the hearing last week.
“We seek clarity on why we are before this court rather than the International Crimes Division, and whether given our complaint seeking your removal it is appropriate for you to continue presiding over this matter.”
According to the charge sheet, Dr. Besigye and his co-accused, Obed Lutale and Capt. Denis, were allegedly abducted in Nairobi in 2024 after attending a book launch hosted by Kenyan politician Martha Karua.
Prosecutors claim the trio traveled to Switzerland, Greece, and Kenya, where they allegedly attended meetings both physical and virtual aimed at plotting the overthrow of the Ugandan government, in collaboration with operatives based in Geneva, Athens, Nairobi, and Kampala.
They are also accused of failing to report knowledge of treasonous activity to authorities between 2023 and November 2024, contrary to Ugandan law.
