Opposition veteran Dr. Kizza Besigye and his aide Obeid Lutale have petitioned the Judicial Service Commission, accusing Nakawa Chief Magistrate Christine Nantege of procedural violations in the ongoing treason case against them.
Through their legal team, led by Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, the duo claims that the magistrate failed to properly calculate and pronounce the remand period, raising concerns over what they described as a lack of judicial philosophy and procedural adherence.
Lukwago criticized the magistrate for entertaining an application after the case had already been committed to the High Court.
He cited Section 168 of the Magistrates Courts Act, which stipulates that once a matter is committed to the High Court, the magistrate’s court no longer has jurisdiction.
Further, the legal team claims that Magistrate Nantege unlawfully committed their clients along with co-accused Captain Denis Oola, a UPDF officer to the High Court without ensuring they had legal representation.
They argue this violated their constitutional right to a fair hearing.
As the case progresses, Dr. Besigye’s lawyers have asked Magistrate Nantege to excuse herself from hearing an application by the State to confiscate their phones and extract data for use in the trial.
Magistrate Nantege has stated that she will deliver her decision on whether to step down from the case on June 26, 2025.
Meanwhile, Dr. Besigye and Lutale remain on remand at Luzira Prison, awaiting their next High Court appearance on charges of attempting to overthrow the government.
By Alex Magala
13th June 2025
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