Veteran opposition politician, Dr Kizza Besigye, and his colleague, Hajj Obeid Lutale, have accused Nakawa Chief Magistrate Christine Nantege of incompetence, Judicial malpractice, and abuse of judicial oath.
This was after the two appeared in court today, requesting the judge to recuse herself from hearing a state application attempting to confiscate their mobile phones and extract data for their use in the ongoing trial proceedings.
The duo has been behind bars for more than 180 days, facing charges related to treason. They argued that Judge Nantege is not fit to preside over such a significant matter.
Magistrate Nantege has since adjourned the case to June 26th, 2025, where she will make a ruling on whether to step down from the case, as Besigye and Lutale are returned to Luzira Prison.
Through their lawyer, Elias Lukwago, Besigye and Lutale contend that the magistrate has already shown bias in handling their case. They cite her refusal to acknowledge that the two had served the mandatory 180 days on remand, making them eligible for bail. The duo also accuses Nantege of failing to forward their case file to the High Court for the bail process to proceed, as required by law.
In their complaint, Besigye and Lutale highlight several instances of judicial incompetence, including Nantege’s decision to commit them to the High Court without legal representation. They also allege that she has mishandled court proceedings, allowing physical altercations and verbal disruptions to mar the court’s decorum.
Besigye and Lutale are now urging the Judicial Service Commission to investigate Nantege’s conduct, take appropriate disciplinary action, and provide clearer guidelines for judicial officers regarding post-committal procedures.
