Jailed Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye has refused to attend the opening of his treason trial, accusing the presiding judge of bias and lack of impartiality. Besigye and his aide, Obed Lutale, were expected in court on Monday, but their lawyer, Eron Kiiza, said both men boycotted the proceedings after Judge Emmanuel Baguma declined to step down despite requests for his recusal. “My clients believe this court cannot deliver justice with fairness and impartiality as required by the constitution,” Kiiza told reporters.
The case has faced repeated delays since the two men were arrested under controversial circumstances last year. They were abducted in Kenya before resurfacing in Uganda days later, where they were charged with treason and other offences that carry the death penalty. Initially slated for a military tribunal, the case was later transferred to a civilian court. Besigye’s detention has intensified scrutiny of President Yoweri Museveni’s government ahead of elections due next year, in which the 80-year-old leader is seeking yet another term. Human rights groups accuse the government of using the courts to silence opponents.
His wife, Winnie Byanyima, executive director of UNAIDS, has described the case as politically motivated. International observers, including rights organizations, have also raised concerns over due process and Uganda’s democratic trajectory. A former ally and personal physician of Museveni, Besigye has run against him four times since 2001, each time alleging electoral fraud. Now 69, he has not confirmed whether he will contest the 2026 polls, but his detention is fueling debate over opposition politics in Uganda’s fragile democracy.
