The Uganda Law Society has criticized President Yoweri Museveni over his recent comments on the ongoing trial of opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye.

In a statement, the Uganda Law Society said Museveni’s remarks on Besigye’s case and his views on bail interfere with the independence of the courts. “These remarks interfere with the independence of the courts, and we call on the Judiciary to condemn them without delay,” ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde said.

Museveni had questioned why Besigye’s trial had taken long to proceed, accusing the opposition leader of creating drama in court. “Besigye has created drama in courts of law. Why should the legal system for so long allow an accused person to just refuse to be tried? Is that a good system?” Museveni asked.

The Uganda Law Society, however, said matters like bail should be handled by the courts, not the Executive. It warned that public comments on an active case could affect Besigye’s right to a fair hearing and weaken public confidence in the Judiciary. ULS also urged Museveni to stop commenting publicly on cases that are still before court.

Besigye has been in detention since his arrest in November 2024. His case has drawn attention across the region after it was moved from a military court to the civilian justice system.

The case has also been affected by issues around his legal team. Besigye has maintained that former Kenyan Justice Minister Martha Karua and Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago should lead his defence. Karua was recently deported from Uganda, while Lukwago remains in custody facing separate charges.