Archive · 1 Sep 2025
Ugandan Opposition Leader Boycotts Trial Over Judge Bias
Kizza Besigye, a Ugandan opposition leader, is not happy with the judge in his trial.
He and his aide, Obed Lutale, were supposed to have their trial start on Monday, but they decided not to attend.
They believe the judge, Emmanuel Baguma, is biased because he won't treat them fairly.
Their lawyer, Eron Kiiza, said they think the judge won't be impartial.
Besigye and Lutale were arrested last November in Kenya and charged with serious crimes.
They deny these charges.
The trial has been delayed for months, and this recent boycott adds another complication.
The accusations of bias come at a time when elections are approaching next year.
Kizza Besigye and his aide boycotted their treason trial in Uganda.
The boycott occurred because the judge, Emmanuel Baguma, refused to recuse himself.
Besigye's attorney, Eron Kiiza, accused the judge of bias.
The defendants were initially charged in a military tribunal before the case was moved to a civilian court.
Besigye has run against President Yoweri Museveni in multiple elections.
- Who
- Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye and his aide, Obed Lutale
- What
- Boycotted the start of their treason trial
- When
- Monday
- Where
- Kampala, Uganda
- Why
- Accusing the judge of bias
- Defendant
- Kizza Besigye and Obed Lutale
- Charges
- Treason and other offenses
- Judge
- Emmanuel Baguma
- Location
- Kampala, Uganda
- Attorney
- Eron Kiiza