By Nanteza Ruth Walusimbi
NATIONAL
High Court Judge Emmanuel Baguma has ruled that there are no valid grounds for his removal from the ongoing treason trial of opposition leader Dr. Kiiza Besigye and his co-accused Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya.
Delivering his ruling at the Criminal Division of the High Court on Wednesday 15th October 2025, Justice Baguma emphasized that the matter falls within the proper jurisdiction of the division.
He dismissed concerns over his impartiality, noting that his earlier ruling on a mandatory bail application which was denied does not indicate incompetence.
The judge also addressed arguments that the case had been wrongly assigned to the Criminal Division instead of the International Crimes Division.
He clarified that the lower court referred the matter to the High Court and that the Criminal Division has consistently handled cases of a similar nature.
“The accused persons are charged with treason, and this court has the jurisdiction to try such cases. This file remains here, and the accused persons are before the right court,” Emphasized Justice Baguma.
This decision ensures that the proceedings against Dr Besigye and Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya will continue before Justice Baguma at the Criminal Division of the High Court.
The trial has drawn significant public attention, given Dr. Besigye’s position as a leading opposition figure and the serious nature of the treason charges, which carry severe penalties under Ugandan law.
