Chaos erupted at the High Court in Kampala shortly after Criminal Division Judge Emmanuel Baguma declined to refer the treason case of Dr. Kizza 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. She was manhandled, dragged across the courtroom floor with her shoes and belongings falling off, and forced through a partially opened door before being taken to Central Police Station (CPS). The short scuffle lasted approximately three minutes.
Charges against her are yet to be confirmed. When the court resumed, Besigye’s lawyer, Martha Karua told the judge that Lutale’s daughter had acted emotionally. She requested her immediate release from CPS and promised measures to prevent any recurrence of such behavior. Besigye and Lutale’s lawyers requested three weeks to consult with their clients on the way forward, citing heightened emotions in court. Fredrick Mpanga, representing the defense, expressed regret over their clients’ actions and noted frustrations over strict security checks that limited access to the courtroom.
During proceedings, Captain Denis Oola expressed happiness at seeing his mother in court for the first time since his detention two years ago and requested time to speak with her. Assistant DPP Thomas Jatiko supported the adjournment but requested four weeks instead of three, citing other high-profile cases, including the Joan Kagezi murder trial and proceedings against suspected rebel Jamilu Mukulu.
Justice Baguma scheduled a plea taking and case mention for December 4, 2025, at 11 a.m. He also indicated willingness to meet with parties and security officials to address court access issues. Oola was permitted to meet his mother. This courtroom drama adds to a case already fraught with allegations of bias. On October 15, 2025, Besigye’s lawyers attempted to refer the case to the Constitutional Court after Justice Baguma declined to step aside.
Besigye had complained to the Judicial Service Commission, claiming the judge refused to examine documents supporting his and Lutale’s application for mandatory bail. Justice Baguma ruled that a complaint before the Judicial Service Commission does not legally prevent a judge from handling an ongoing case. He also declined the defense request to transfer the matter to the International Crimes Division, affirming that the High Court’s Criminal Division has full jurisdiction.
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.
Dr. Besigye, Obeid Lutale, and Captain Denis Oola face treason charges for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government. Prosecutors allege that the trio held meetings in Geneva, Athens, Nairobi, and Kampala to solicit funds, acquire weapons, and organize paramilitary operations.
According to the state, Besigye allegedly met a Kurdish intelligence agent identified as “AW” and received $5,000 to facilitate military training for 36 Ugandan recruits in Kisumu, Kenya. The recruits were intercepted before training. The prosecution further alleges that Besigye sought surface-to-air missiles, ricin poison, counterfeit currency, and planned to use drones to assassinate President Yoweri Museveni.
Evidence includes audio and video recordings, social media messages, immigration documents, and phone logs linking the accused to the alleged plot.
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