The High Court has denied bail to veteran opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and his aide, Hajj Obeid Lutale, citing the serious nature of the charges against them and concerns that their release could compromise ongoing investigations.
Today marks 147 days since the pair was arrested in Nairobi, Kenya, in November last year and subsequently detained.
Although the court acknowledged that Dr. Besigye and Hajj Lutale had presented credible sureties and met all formal bail requirements, presiding Judge Rosette Comfort Kania—through a ruling read by registrar Ssalamu Ngoobi—declined their application for release. The court emphasized the gravity of the charges and the cross-border scope of the investigation.
“The offences are alleged to have been committed in various locations in Uganda and other countries, requiring more time and resources to conclude investigations than is typically the case for offences confined to Uganda,” Justice Kania ruled.
She added, “Given that investigations are still ongoing, the interest of justice at this point dictates that the application for bail is denied. Due to the grave nature of the offence, there is a likelihood that the applicants—if released—may be tempted to interfere with the investigations.”
Dr. Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate, and his aide face treason charges, which carry a maximum penalty of death upon conviction.
Prosecutors allege that between 2023 and November 2024, Dr. Besigye, Hajj Lutale, UPDF officer Capt. Denis Oola, and others still at large conspired to overthrow the government through force of arms. The alleged conspiracy reportedly spans several international locations, including Geneva (Switzerland), Athens (Greece), Nairobi (Kenya), and Kampala (Uganda).
