Journalist Ronald Muhinda has questioned the decision by Uganda’s High Court to proceed with Dr Kizza Besigye’s treason trial, despite a psychiatric assessment indicating that the veteran opposition politician’s communication difficulties could substantially affect his ability to participate in his defence.
Muhinda criticised Justice Emmanuel Baguma, who is presiding over the case, arguing that the judge should have given greater consideration to the findings contained in the medical assessment conducted by specialists following Besigye’s collapse in court.
“Truth is, Besigye is seriously unwell,” Muhinda said, while questioning the decision to continue the proceedings against the former presidential candidate.
The psychiatric assessment, conducted at Luzira Staff Hospital on August 16 by senior consultant psychiatrist Dr Nalugya Joyce Sserunjogi and consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr Julius Muron, found that Besigye remained alert and appeared oriented to the person, place and time. Doctors also found that his comprehension was preserved.
However, the report identified a significant expressive communication impairment. Besigye was reportedly unable to speak or write and instead communicated by pointing to letters and numbers. Doctors said the method was difficult to use when detailed communication was required.
The assessment further stated that his communication impairment “may substantially interfere” with his ability to participate in his defence and that he might require further intervention before he could meaningfully participate in court proceedings.
Muhinda argued that the findings raised serious questions about whether Besigye should be tried while experiencing such difficulties.
He also revisited Besigye’s earlier opposition to Justice Baguma handling his case, claiming that the opposition politician had sought the judge’s recusal but that the request was rejected.
Muhinda further alleged that several applications made by Besigye before Baguma had also been dismissed.
“Besigye collapsed in court because of Baguma’s poor judgement,” Muhinda said, questioning why the judge would proceed despite the doctors’ findings.
The court had earlier ordered a comprehensive medical assessment after Besigye collapsed during proceedings on July 29. Justice Baguma had directed that the report establish whether Besigye was medically fit to stand trial and participate in the proceedings.
The medical assessment did not find evidence of a major psychiatric disorder independently affecting Besigye’s understanding of the proceedings.
However, doctors recommended further speech, language and rehabilitation assessment and said he should be given adequate time to communicate through alternative means if required to attend court.
Muhinda ended his statement with calls for Besigye’s release, alongside co-accused Hajji Obeid Lutale and other political prisoners in Uganda.