Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye has boycotted the start of his treason trial, accusing the presiding judge, Emmanuel Baguma, of bias.
Besigye’s lawyer, Eron Kiiza, stated that the judge’s decision to deny Besigye bail was the basis for the accusations of bias.
The trial was supposed to begin on Monday, but Besigye and his aide, Obed Lutale, refused to attend after Baguma declined to recuse himself.
Besigye’s detention has drawn attention to President Yoweri Museveni’s human rights record ahead of next year’s polls, in which Museveni, 80, is seeking re-election. Besigye, a four-time presidential aspirant, has stood against Museveni in four elections but lost each time.
He was detained in November last year in neighboring Kenya and returned to Uganda, where he was charged with treason and other offenses.
Background of the Case
- Treason Charges: Besigye and Lutale face treason charges, which carry the death penalty in Uganda.
- Bias Allegations: Besigye’s lawyers claim Judge Baguma is biased, citing his decision to deny Besigye bail.
- Trial Boycott: Besigye and Lutale boycotted the trial, refusing to appear before Judge Baguma.
The judiciary spokesperson, James Ereemye Mawanda, said there was no justification for the bias accusations and confirmed that Baguma had refused to recuse himself.
The case has sparked concerns about the fairness of the trial and the treatment of opposition figures in Uganda.
