High Court Judge Douglas Singiza has hit back at critics who trolled him over his handling of Dr. Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutale’s case, as he dismissed their bid for release from Luzira Prison.
Delivering his ruling on Monday, Singiza slammed offensive remarks made against him, including social media cartoons portraying him as a Nazi judge. He trashed the allegations as an attack on judicial integrity.
“Untrue insinuations were made that I was under the influence of powerful persons in government. Such accusations undermine the credibility of this court,” said Singiza.
He reminded critics that courts operate impartially and make decisions based on the law and evidence presented.
But despite the drama, Singiza upheld Besigye and Lutale’s detention, ruling that their formal charging at Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court meant they were lawfully held.
“While the court would have wished to address the issues raised, it would be moot to do so in light of the proceedings that have already taken place,” the judge stated.
“The applicants were charged and remanded [by] the Chief Magistrates Court of Nakawa, and this court must take judicial notice of these proceedings as outlined in Section 56 of the Evidence Act,” he added.
Besigye, Lutale, and Captain Denis Oola remain in Luzira, facing treason until March 7 when their case comes up for mention.
Last week, the trio was presented before the Chief Magistrate’s Court of Nakawa after a production warrant was issued by court for Besigye, directing Luzira Upper Prison authorities to present him before court on Wednesday, February 21, 2025, at 9:00 AM.
The document, issued by CID Headquarters, accuses the trio of conspiring between 2023 and November 2024 to overthrow the government by force. Authorities claim that the alleged plot spanned multiple locations, including Geneva (Switzerland), Athens (Greece), Nairobi (Kenya), and Kampala (Uganda), and was furthered through “utterances and overt acts.”
The charge sheet cites Section 23(1)(c) of the Penal Code Act, Cap 128, under which treason is punishable by death. The case was sanctioned by the Resident Chief State Attorney in Nakawa.
Prosecution alleges that the accuses travelled to various countries including Switzerland, Greece, Kenya for purposes of attending meetings to further the plot to overturn the government of Uganda as by law established.
Attended meetings with various individuals both physically and virtually in various places including Geneva in Switzerland, Athens in Greece, Nairobi in Kenya, and Kampala in Uganda in furtherance of the plot to overturn the government of Uganda as by law established.
Made utterances to various individuals during meetings and privately expressing desire and intent to overturn the government of Uganda as by law established. And provided logistical support and organizing for several Ugandan citizens to travel to Kisumu, Kenya for the purpose of receiving training in various military and intelligence gathering techniques.
They are also accused of soliciting for military, financial and other logistical support to overturn the government of Uganda as by law established.
The presiding Magistrate charged the accused contrary to section 25 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 128.
Dr. Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and a fierce critic of the government, was arrested in November 2024 and has been in detention since. His prolonged incarceration has sparked widespread protests, with his supporters calling for his release.
