The High Court in Kampala has denied bail to Dr. Kizza Besigye and his aide, Hajj Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, ruling that the gravity of the charges against them outweighs their request for temporary freedom.
Justice Rosette Comfort Kania delivered the ruling on Friday, citing ongoing investigations and the seriousness of the accusations. Besigye, a long-time opposition leader and four-time presidential contender, faces treason and illegal firearms charges stemming from his November 2024 arrest in Nairobi.
Besigye and Lutale have been in Luzira Prison for over 147 days. Their legal team argued they are first-time offenders with fixed residences and no history of fleeing from justice. However, the prosecution insisted their release could jeopardize ongoing investigations.
Justice Kania agreed. “There is the likelihood the applicants, if released, may interfere with investigations given the gravity of the charges,” she said.
The ruling was read in court by registrar Ssalmu Ngoobi.
According to the state, Besigye and his co-accused allegedly conspired to overthrow the Ugandan government through meetings held in Geneva, Athens, Nairobi, and Kampala between 2023 and late 2024.
Authorities also claim he was found with two pistols and eight rounds of ammunition at the time of his arrest in Nairobi.
Initially charged in a military court, Besigye’s case was transferred to the civilian judicial system following a January 2025 Supreme Court ruling that barred military trials for civilians.
Speaking outside the courthouse, defense lawyer Erias Lukwago condemned the ruling, calling it a “terrible decision” for Uganda’s legal system. “All legal options remain open. We’re not backing down,” he told reporters.
Despite meeting several bail prerequisites—including their advanced age, strong community ties, and clean criminal record—the pair will remain behind bars for the foreseeable future.
Treason and misprision of treason are among Uganda’s most serious offenses, carrying a potential death sentence upon conviction. The prosecution claims the alleged plot involved more individuals, including Capt. Denis Oola and others who are still at large.
Besigye, once a close ally of President Yoweri Museveni, has remained one of the government’s fiercest critics. His arrest and prolonged detention have sparked fresh debate over political freedoms and due process in Uganda.
Supporters outside court chanted in defiance as news of the ruling spread, many waving placards demanding justice.
Meanwhile, human rights groups have raised concerns over the conditions of Besigye’s continued detention and called for an expedited trial.
As it stands, the opposition figure and his aide face a drawn-out legal fight. Their bail may be denied for now, but their legal team is already planning the next move in what promises to be a landmark political case.
