Besigye in Stand-off with Justice Baguma as Rt. Col Insists on Addressing Court

The High Court in Kampala witnessed dramatic scenes this morning as supporters of jailed PFF leader Rt. Col Dr. Kiiza Besigye thronged the premises while chanting famous Revolutionary songs.

Dr. Besigye and Hajji Lutale were brought to court for plea taking in their treason trial.

However inside the courtroom, pleadings took a dramatic twist before justice Emmanuel Baguma, as Dr. Kizza Besigye insisted on first addressing the court before charges were formally read to him, a move which has rubbed the judge the wrong way. He noted that Besigye is ably represented by a team of ten lawyers led by Senior Lawyer Martha Karua.

Justice Baguma immediately intervened, questioning whether Besigye sought to dismiss his legal team.

Yet Besigye pressed on, stating he had temporarily put off his representation in order to make his submission making the atmosphere in the courtroom to grow more tense as the judge maintained that only concerns filed through counsel would be entertained.

The defence team however rose in defence of their client’s request, arguing that there exists no law barring an accused person from addressing court directly and they believe it is within the judge’s powers to hear him adding that appointing counsel does not “close the mouth of the party,” and that Besigye retains authority over what matters he wishes to personally raise.

After listening to both sides, Judge Baguma has allowed  Dr Besigye to raise his concerns on condition that he formally writes them down, files them before the court by Friday, promising to respond to them on October 8th, the same day Besigye will have his bail hearing.

The standoff comes after earlier boycotts, as Besigye and Hajji Lutale had previously shunned court appearances, protesting what they described as unfair trial proceedings after also branding Justice Baguma as biased.

As the session adjourned,  anticipation loomed over what issues Besigye will  table before court.  As for now the trio remain on remand at Luzira prison awaiting trial.