Ugandan opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye refused to attend the opening of his treason trial on Monday, citing concerns over judicial impartiality, according to his legal team.
Besigye, a former presidential candidate and long-time critic of President Yoweri Museveni, has been in detention for several months—a situation that has drawn international attention to Uganda’s human rights record ahead of next year’s general elections. Museveni, 80, is expected to seek re-election.
The trial, which also involves Besigye’s aide Obed Lutale, was scheduled to begin after repeated delays.
However, both defendants opted to boycott the proceedings after presiding Judge Emmanuel Baguma declined to step down from the case.
Besigye’s lawyer, Eron Kiiza, told Reuters that Baguma’s earlier decision to deny bail was evidence of bias.
“The judge is incapable of delivering justice with fairness and impartiality, as required by the constitution,” Kiiza said, adding that his clients would not appear before Baguma under any circumstances.
Judiciary spokesperson James Ereemye Mawanda dismissed the allegations, stating there was no basis for claims of bias. Judge Baguma has not publicly responded to the accusations.
Besigye, once Museveni’s personal physician and political ally, has contested and lost four presidential elections. He has not announced whether he intends to run again.
He and Lutale were arrested in neighboring Kenya last November and extradited to Uganda, where they were charged with treason and other offenses. Initially tried in a military tribunal, the case was later transferred to a civilian court. Both men deny the charges.
