KAMPALA, Uganda — The High Court on Friday denied bail to veteran opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Hajj Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, citing the serious nature of the charges against them and ongoing investigations.
Justice Rosette Comfort Kania ruled that releasing the accused at this stage would be inappropriate given the circumstances.
Besigye and Lutale had sought bail, arguing they are law-abiding citizens with fixed residences and would comply with all court directives.
However, the prosecution opposed their release, contending it could interfere with ongoing investigations. Justice Kania sided with the prosecution, stating the court found no compelling reasons to grant bail at this time.
The ruling means Besigye and Lutale will remain in custody pending further legal proceedings. Their legal team vowed to explore other legal avenues for their release.
Speaking outside the courthouse, Erias Lukwago, a lawyer for the accused, called the bail denial a “terrible decision” for Uganda’s jurisprudence.
Besigye and his aide, Lutale, were arrested Nov. 16, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya, and forcibly returned to Uganda. They have been detained at Luzira Prison for nearly five months as of Friday.
The opposition leader faces treason charges, with authorities alleging he conspired to overthrow the Ugandan government through meetings held in Kenya between 2023 and November 2024. He is also charged with illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, with the state claiming he was found with two pistols and eight rounds of ammunition at the time of his arrest in Nairobi.
Besigye’s case was initially handled by a military court, but the Supreme Court ruled Jan. 31, 2025, that civilians cannot be tried in military courts, leading to its transfer to the civilian judiciary.
With their bail application denied, the veteran politician and his co-accused face an extended period in custody as their legal battle continues. Their supporters and legal team remain hopeful that alternative legal measures may eventually secure their release.
