Baguma Refuses Recusal in Besigye Trial

Kampala, Uganda

Justice Emmanuel Baguma has refused to recuse himself from the treason case involving opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, ruling that the Criminal Division of the High Court is the right forum to handle the matter.

Dr. Besigye’s legal team had asked the judge to step down, citing concerns about fairness and the involvement of Capt. Denis Oola, a state witness. However, Justice Baguma said there was no valid reason for him to withdraw and that the complaint against Capt. Oola would be addressed at the time of taking plea.

The ruling clears the way for the case to proceed to the plea-taking stage, where Dr. Besigye will formally respond to the treason charges.

Dr. Besigye, a long-time government critic and former presidential candidate, maintains that the charges against him are politically motivated. The court is expected to set a date for plea-taking soon.