Former presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye has again been denied bail, with court directing that he first takes plea on the charges levelled against him.
The High Court judge Emmanuel Baguma also declined to halt the criminal trial pending the determination of a Constitutional Court petition challenging the proceedings. However, the presiding judge noted that Besigye may reapply for bail after the case is heard.
The defence had asked that the matter be paused pending the Constitutional Court’s decision on a petition challenging the continued involvement of trial judge Justice Emmanuel Baguma.
In October, Besigye and his aide, Hajji Obeid Lutale, filed a formal complaint with the Judicial Service Commission, raising concerns about the judge’s impartiality and alleged procedural irregularities. To date, no official response has been issued.
The application also challenges the High Court’s jurisdiction and raises concerns over the alleged misidentification of one of the co-accused, Captain Denis Oola. Justice Baguma had previously declined to recuse himself from the case.
“In your ruling, you stated that 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 told the court.
He added, “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, Besigye, Lutale, and Capt. Denis Oola were allegedly abducted in Nairobi in 2024 after attending a book launch hosted by Kenyan politician Martha Karua.
Prosecutors allege that the trio later travelled to Switzerland, Greece, and Kenya, where they attended both physical and virtual meetings allegedly 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 the alleged treasonous activities between 2023 and November 2024, contrary to Ugandan law.
