Prominent Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye refused to attend the opening session of his treason trial on Monday, September 1, 2025, with his lawyer alleging that the presiding judge is biased.
Besigye’s extended detention has drawn international attention to President Yoweri Museveni’s human rights record ahead of elections scheduled for early next year, where Museveni, 80, is seeking another term.
The proceedings against Besigye and his aide, Obed Lutale, were expected to begin on Monday following months of postponements. However, both men chose to boycott the hearing after Judge Emmanuel Baguma declined to step down from the case, according to their attorney, Eron Kiiza.
Besigye’s legal team argued that Baguma’s earlier refusal to grant him bail was evidence of partiality. Judiciary spokesperson James Ereemye Mawanda dismissed the claims, insisting there was no basis for the accusations and confirmed that Judge Baguma had rejected the request to withdraw from the case. The judge was not immediately available for comment.
“Besigye and Lutale took a decision never to appear before Judge Baguma,” attorney Kiiza stated.
“He is incapable of delivering justice with fairness and impartiality as required by the constitution and logic,” Kiiza added.
Once a close associate and personal doctor to President Museveni, Besigye has contested and lost against him in four previous elections. He has not disclosed whether he intends to run again.
Besigye and Lutale were arrested in neighboring Kenya in November last year, deported to Uganda, and charged with treason and other offenses. The case was initially heard by a military tribunal before being transferred to a civilian court. Besigye denies all charges.
