By Editorial,
Chaos erupted at the High Court in Kampala shortly after Criminal Division Judge Emmanuel Baguma declined to refer the treason case of Dr. Kiiza Besigye and his co-accused to the Constitutional Court.
The application sought referral to determine whether fairness could be ensured in the trial, as the accused including Obeid Lutale and Captain Denis Oola had lodged complaints with the Judicial Service Commission alleging bias and incompetence by Justice Baguma.
Supporters, frustrated by the ruling, stormed the courtroom. The rowdy crowd was led by Mariam Obeid Lutale, daughter of Besigye’s co-accused Obeid Lutale and parliamentary candidate for Lubaga North.
She charged towards the judge while crying, declaring that they were tired and needed justice. The courtroom, already fully packed and heavily guarded, descended into chaos. Counter-terrorism police and prison officers jumped over chairs and tables to stop Mariam from reaching the judge.
Justice Baguma remained calm, seated at his bench, watching the commotion unfold. Mariam was eventually arrested by security officers before being taken to central police station. Justice Baguma scheduled a plea taking and case mention for December 4, 2025, at 11 a.m. After the court, Doreen Nyanjura, Kampala City Deputy Lord Mayor and Besigye supporter, decried the ruling. She called for protests to uphold constitutional rights, urging civil disobedience as the only viable path. Ms. Nyanjura speaking…..
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