A Ugandan magistrate declared she lacks authority to handle the treason case against opposition leader Kizza Besigye and ally Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya. Christine Nantege made the decision after defense attorneys requested her removal from the proceedings. The case moves to High Court following formal committal procedures. Supporters celebrated inside the courtroom after hearing the magistrate's announcement. Family members joined the festivities as legal teams prepared for the next phase.
Besigye and Lutale have remained behind bars for seven months since their arrest in Kenya's capital. Kenyan authorities detained them during a book launch event for former Justice Minister Martha Karua. Military prosecutors initially charged both men with illegal weapons possession and treachery across multiple countries. The Supreme Court later ruled that civilian courts must handle cases against non-military defendants. Both politicians were transferred to civilian jurisdiction under the landmark court decision.
Treason charges require High Court proceedings because the offense carries potential death sentences. Defense lawyer Erias Lukwago accused Magistrate Nantege of bias and poor judgment during previous hearings. The legal team filed complaints with the Judicial Service Commission over her conduct. Lukwago criticized her refusal to grant bail after six months of detention without trial committal. The magistrate faced additional scrutiny over her handling of evidence requests.
Prosecutors sought access to mobile phone records belonging to both defendants during the case. Officials argued the digital evidence could provide crucial information for their prosecution. Nantege rejected the phone data application because the High Court transfer eliminated her jurisdiction. The ruling effectively ends all magistrate court involvement in the treason proceedings.
Besigye and Lutale have remained behind bars for seven months since their arrest in Kenya's capital. Kenyan authorities detained them during a book launch event for former Justice Minister Martha Karua. Military prosecutors initially charged both men with illegal weapons possession and treachery across multiple countries. The Supreme Court later ruled that civilian courts must handle cases against non-military defendants. Both politicians were transferred to civilian jurisdiction under the landmark court decision.
Treason charges require High Court proceedings because the offense carries potential death sentences. Defense lawyer Erias Lukwago accused Magistrate Nantege of bias and poor judgment during previous hearings. The legal team filed complaints with the Judicial Service Commission over her conduct. Lukwago criticized her refusal to grant bail after six months of detention without trial committal. The magistrate faced additional scrutiny over her handling of evidence requests.
Prosecutors sought access to mobile phone records belonging to both defendants during the case. Officials argued the digital evidence could provide crucial information for their prosecution. Nantege rejected the phone data application because the High Court transfer eliminated her jurisdiction. The ruling effectively ends all magistrate court involvement in the treason proceedings.
