By The long-running standoff between opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and High Court judge Justice Emmanuel Baguma took another twist on Tuesday, when the former FDC president and his co-accused Hajj Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya were remanded until October 8.
The ruling shocked many in the packed courtroom after Justice Baguma declined to hear oral submissions from the defense and instead directed the accused to file their concerns in writing.
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Earlier, Dr. Besigye—who has persistently questioned the judge’s impartiality—dramatically announced that he was suspending his legal representation, insisting on personally addressing the court before any further proceedings.
His declaration stirred the gallery, where supporters broke into chants as the opposition stalwart entered the dock, forcing court orderlies to intervene to restore calm.
Besigye’s lead lawyer, Erias Lukwago, later told journalists that his team would comply with the directive to file written submissions but vowed to continue pressing for their client’s constitutional right to apply for bail as many times as necessary.
“The right to bail is not a favor from the state. It is a constitutional entitlement. We shall not relent,” Lukwago said.
The case is now set to resume on October 8, when the High Court is expected to consider the defense’s written arguments alongside the state’s response.
The developments highlight the increasingly strained relationship between Besigye—a four-time presidential candidate and critic of the ruling government—and the judiciary, which he accuses of siding with the state in politically sensitive cases.
