The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has reiterated its call for Justice Emmanuel Baguma to recuse himself from handling Dr Kizza Besigye’s treason case.
The party made the call on Monday during a press conference at its offices in Katonga, Kampala, as it renewed its demand for the release of Besigye on medical bail.
Dr Lulume Bayigga, the PFF deputy chairman for Buganda, accused Baguma of showing what he described as bias and intolerance towards Besigye and his lawyers during court proceedings.
He claimed that the party had observed instances in which the judge appeared aggressive towards Besigye and his legal team and allegedly interrupted them when they attempted to make submissions.
“We have witnessed Justice Baguma showing an aggressive attitude towards both Besigye and his lawyers by shutting them down whenever they are trying to make submissions,” Bayigga said.
The party called on the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to investigate the concerns it has raised about Baguma’s conduct.
The PFF also expressed concern about Besigye’s continued detention and the failure of his previous bail applications, arguing that his medical condition should be given greater consideration.
The party said Besigye has been denied bail on four occasions, which it said raises questions about the protection of constitutional rights.
Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and long-time critic of President Museveni, has spent years at the centre of opposition politics.
PFF has also announced a nationwide solidarity campaign for Besigye and other people it considers political prisoners.
According to the party, the campaign will begin on Friday with prayers among Muslim faithful, followed by Adventist prayers on Saturday and Christian prayers on Sunday.
Former Kabale Municipality MP Nicholas Kamara, the PFF vice-chairman for the Western region, urged members of the public to support the campaign.
“We must dedicate prayers to Dr Besigye and many other political prisoners who are in jail. People with good hearts should take interest and buy these T-shirts, or even print them wherever they wish,” Kamara said.
He said the campaign is intended to raise public awareness and keep attention focused on the party’s demand for justice.
“Whatever happens to somebody today, tomorrow it could be you,” Kamara said.
