The judiciary has upheld Justice Emmanuel Baguma as the trial judge in the high-profile treason case against opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Hajj Obeid Lutale, rejecting a defence request to move the case to the International Crimes Division (ICD).
In a letter dated October 17, Acting Principal Judge Jane Okuo Kajuga informed Lukwago & Company Advocates, who represent the accused, that the case would remain before Justice Baguma in the Criminal Division of the High Court. She clarified that the allocation was made “in the ordinary course of business” and that the Criminal Division had full jurisdiction to handle the matter.
Judge Okuo emphasized that jurisdiction within the High Court is determined by its internal case allocation system, not by the route through which a case reaches the court. She also cited the 2019 Practice Directions on Recusal of Judicial Officers, advising that any litigant dissatisfied with a judge’s refusal to step aside should record the reasons and, if necessary, raise the matter on appeal after judgment.
“We shall abide by the law and advise that you do so,” she wrote.
The defence had argued that since the treason indictment was initially committed through the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court to the ICD, it was improper for the Criminal Division to handle the case. They have also filed a complaint with the Judicial Service Commission, accusing Justice Baguma of bias in his handling of the proceedings.
Besigye’s political platform, the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), reacted sharply to the Principal Judge’s communication, saying it undermines confidence in judicial independence. “The greatest form of injustice is pretended justice,” the group said in a statement, warning that the ruling could be seen as administrative interference in a politically sensitive case.
Dr. Besigye and Hajj Lutale face charges of treason and illegal possession of firearms, linked to accusations that between 2022 and 2023 they attempted to rally civilians and elements within the security forces to challenge state authority. Both men deny the allegations, calling the case politically motivated.
Justice Baguma is expected to deliver a ruling on the defence’s latest objections on October 25, 2025.