Besigye Accuses High Court Judge of Incompetence and Bias Amid Ongoing Legal Battle

Summary:

• Besigye, who has long been a key figure in Uganda’s opposition, has previously run for president against President Museveni four times, though he has never won

Kampala, Uganda – Veteran opposition leader and four-time presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye has launched a scathing attack on High Court Justice Emmanuel Bagama, accusing him of either incompetence or bias in handling his ongoing legal case. Besigye, who appeared in court on October 8, 2025, alongside his co-accused, Obeid Lutale, made the claims during a highly charged court session that drew public attention.

The two are facing serious charges, including the illegal possession of firearms, a case that has sparked significant controversy. Besigye’s remarks were made while the two men appeared before Justice Bagama, despite previous requests from their legal team to have the judge recused from the case. The defense lawyers had filed a formal petition seeking that Justice Bagama not preside over the trial, citing concerns about fairness. However, Justice Bagama rejected the request, prompting Besigye to accuse the judge of both incompetence in performing his duties and possible bias against the defendants.

“This court is not serving justice. If the judge is not incompetent, then he is clearly biased,” Besigye told the court, his voice laced with frustration. “We had asked, through our legal team, that we should not appear before this particular judge due to concerns about impartiality. His refusal to recuse himself speaks volumes.”

The case has become a focal point in Uganda’s volatile political climate, with Besigye, a staunch critic of President Yoweri Museveni’s long-standing government, continuing to face legal battles amid his vocal opposition. Besigye was arrested in a dramatic and controversial manner in November 2024, when he was allegedly abducted from Kenya and forcibly returned to Uganda, where he now faces military trials alongside his political allies.

Besigye, who has long been a key figure in Uganda’s opposition, has previously run for president against President Museveni four times, though he has never won. His legal issues and subsequent detentions are seen by many of his supporters as politically motivated, with claims that the government is using the judiciary to silence its most prominent critics.

The charges against Besigye and Lutale stem from allegations of possession of illegal firearms, a serious offense under Uganda’s laws, though critics argue that these charges are part of an ongoing effort to suppress political dissent. Besigye, however, maintains his innocence, dismissing the accusations as part of a broader campaign to undermine his political activities and stop his opposition to the government.

The tension in court was palpable, with Besigye’s accusations casting a shadow over the already controversial case. As the trial progresses, his supporters remain vigilant, hoping for a fair trial and the eventual release of the opposition leader.

Despite the legal challenges, Besigye remains defiant, reiterating his commitment to fighting for a free and fair Uganda. “This is not just about me. This is about the freedom of every Ugandan who dares to speak out against this government,” he said.

As the case continues to unfold, all eyes will be on Justice Bagama and the Ugandan judicial system to see whether Besigye’s allegations of bias and incompetence will be addressed or if they will further fuel claims of political persecution.

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