Lawyers representing veteran opposition politicians Dr. Kizza Besigye and his associate Hajj Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya have demanded that Nakawa Chief Magistrate Christine Nantege step down from their case, accusing her of bias, incompetence, and inability to deliver justice.
The legal team, led by Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, announced on Thursday that the judge’s conduct had raised serious questions about her impartiality in the case.
Lukwago stated that the defense team had decided to report Judge Nantege to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
Speaking to journalists outside Nakawa court on Thursday, Lukwago said:
“Another step we’ve taken is to ask her to recuse herself from this matter due to bias and lack of capacity.”
Besigye and Lutale are facing treason charges, and on Thursday, June 12, they appeared in court for a hearing on the state’s request to seize their mobile phones.
Lukwago stressed:
“This is a serious issue that concerns the lives of our clients. Treason is a grave offense punishable by death if convicted, and we don’t want anything handled carelessly. That’s why we will leave no stone unturned in seeking justice for our clients.”
He added that Judge Nantege’s behavior had turned the court into a “Kangaroo Court.”
The case is scheduled to resume on June 26, 2025.
