UGANDAN OPPOSITION LEADER BESIGYE BOYCOTTS TREASON TRIAL

Jailed Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye boycotted the start of his treason trial on Monday, alleging bias on the part of the presiding judge, according to his lawyer. Besigye’s prolonged detention has drawn international attention to President Yoweri Museveni’s human rights record ahead of elections scheduled for early next year, in which the 80-year-old president is seeking another term in office. The trial for Besigye and his aide, Obed Lutale, was due to begin Monday after months of delays. However, both men refused to appear in court after Judge Emmanuel Baguma declined to step down from the case.

Besigye’s legal team accused Judge Baguma of bias, citing his earlier decision to deny Besigye bail as evidence. Judiciary spokesperson James Ereemye Mawanda rejected the claims of bias and confirmed that Judge Baguma had refused to recuse himself. The judge was not immediately available for comment. “Besigye and Lutale have resolved never to appear before Judge Baguma,” said Kiiza. “He is incapable of administering justice fairly and impartially, as required by both the constitution and common sense.”

Once a close ally and personal physician to Museveni, Besigye has contested and lost against him in four presidential elections. He has not yet stated whether he will run again. Besigye and Lutale were arrested in Kenya in November last year and subsequently returned to Uganda, where they were charged with treason and other offenses. Initially brought before a military tribunal, the case was later moved to a civilian court. Both men deny the charges.