The High Court proceedings of opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye came to an abrupt end as Justice Emmanuel Baguma directed the accused to channel his concerns through legal counsel.
Dr Besigye, while standing in the dock, on Wednesday, 1st October, 2025, attempted to raise what he termed “serious concerns” directly before the court during ongoing proceedings.
However, Justice Baguma interrupted the submission, instructing him to communicate through his lawyers in accordance with court procedure.
“The appropriate channel for such concerns is through legal representation,” Justice Baguma said, “You have a team of 10 lawyers, I am giving you some minutes to speak to them and raise your concerns through them.”
Despite this directive, Dr Besigye remained adamant, insisting on presenting the issues himself. The nature of his concerns was not immediately disclosed, but his stand drew attention and prompted legal debate within the courtroom.
After several minutes of silence, Justice Baguma gave Besigye’s lawyers, led by Kenyan Counsel Martha Karua, a chance to deliberate with their client on the concerns he wished to raise.
However, Counsel Karua, responding to him, claimed that the accused’s lawyers were not aware of the grievances Besigye wanted to put across.
“None of us is aware whether the issue is about health and the time you have given to us is not enough to gather his concerns. So, it is better if Besigye raises the concerns himself,” she said.
Besigye’s legal team objected to the judge’s position, arguing that there exists no legal provision barring an accused person from directly addressing the court.
“An accused person has a constitutional right to be heard, and that includes raising matters that affect the fairness of the proceedings,” one of Besigye’s lawyers argued.
In response, Justice Baguma ruled that Dr. Besigye should instead submit his concerns in writing.
He assured the court that he would formally respond to them on October 8, 2025, the date now set for the next hearing.
Besigye and his co-accused, Capt. Denis Oola and Obeid Lutale continue to face charges of treason.
