The standoff at Kampala High Court intensified after Justice Emmanuel Baguma denied Dr. Kizza Besigye the opportunity to make oral submissions in person, insisting that his concerns be submitted in writing before they can be considered at any further hearings.

This development follows a tense history: on August 26, 2025, Dr. Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale’s legal team announced they would no longer appear before the court unless Justice Baguma recused himself. Despite this, both appeared in court today.

The legal dispute centers on the dismissal of the accused are bid for mandatory bail.

Senior Counsel Martha Karua, leading the defense, argued that their clients’ continued detention since November 2024 without formal committal qualified them for mandatory bail under Article 23 of the Constitution.

However, Justice Baguma ruled that the official remand period began on February 21, 2025, when charges were filed in Nakawa Chief Magistrates’ Court, under Magistrate Christine Nantege.

Therefore, the 180-day threshold required for mandatory bail had not been met.

During today’s proceedings, Dr. Besigye attempted to personally raise his concerns but was denied by Justice Baguma, who ordered that all submissions be made through the lawyers.

Dr. Besigye then requested to suspend his legal representation so he could address the court directly. Justice Baguma rejected this request, stating any suspension must be formally submitted in writing before the next court session scheduled for October 8, 2025—leaving many in the courtroom stunned at the ruling without allowing the defense to speak.

Despite these challenges, Dr. Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale’s legal team, led by Senior Counsel Martha Karua, confirmed they will return on October 8 to submit their written arguments and continue to pursue their constitutional right to bail.

By Alex Magala

3rd Oct 2025

END