To the Judicial Service Commission of Uganda

We, the undersigned, are law-abiding and humble citizens of Uganda, and active followers of the proceedings in High Court Case No. 335 of 2025 (Uganda vs. Dr. Kizza Besigye, Obeid Lutale, and others), presided over by Justice Emmanuel Baguma.

We are guided and empowered by Article 126(1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda (1995), which provides that judicial power is derived from the people and must be exercised in conformity with the law and the values, norms, and aspirations of the people.

This means that courts derive power from the citizens of Uganda, not from the President or Parliament, and that judges must decide cases based on the law and what Ugandans expect as fairness.

Article 126(2) further requires that:
•Justice shall be done to all irrespective of social or economic status
•Justice shall not be delayed

Our Concerns

Justice Emmanuel Baguma, while hearing the above case, has demonstrated conduct that raises serious concerns, including:

•A high degree of bias in handling proceedings.

•Allowing his own directions and orders to be disobeyed by state attorneys without reprimand.

•Causing unnecessary delays in the hearing of the case.

•Refusing to hear applications filed by the accused, including a bail application and a Human Rights Enforcement application.

The judge has also failed to properly follow legal procedures even when guided by defense lawyers, demonstrating a demeanor suggesting that a verdict may already be predetermined.

He has exhibited anger while hearing the defense, at times addressing them in a manner inconsistent with judicial impartiality and professionalism.

Violation of Legal Procedure

Justice Baguma proceeded with the case despite pending applications touching on human rights, contrary to the provisions of the Human Rights (Enforcement) Act, which require such matters to be addressed first. 

Additionally:

•The State was allowed months regarding the non-disclosure of witness identities

•After full disclosure, the accused were given only two days to review over 2,000 pages of evidence, including many hours of audio material, while in detention, in a case carrying a death sentence.

Why This Matters
We believe that the conduct of Justice Emmanuel Baguma:
•Undermines the right to a fair hearing
•Compromises confidence in the judiciary
•Risks bringing the entire judicial system into disrepute
We further believe that such conduct may be a symptom of deeper impairments that compromise the quality of adjudication.

Our Demands
We respectfully petition the Judicial Service Commission to:
1.Immediately intervene and stop Justice Emmanuel Baguma from hearing this case
2.Review his professional record and conduct
3.Take appropriate action to uphold justice, fairness, and judicial integrity

Conclusion

Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. We therefore urge immediate action in order to protect the integrity of the judiciary and ensure a fair trial.

Call to Action

We call upon all concerned citizens to sign this petition in support of fairness, justice, and the rule of law in Uganda.