Opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye aged 69 and his aide, Obeid Lutale aged 65, have filed a second bail application before the High Court, seeking release from prison as they await trial on treason charges.
Their latest application follows the High Court’s earlier decision on April 15, in which Justice Rosette Comfort Kania denied them bail. The court cited concerns that the duo might interfere with ongoing police investigations, particularly given the gravity of the offences they face.
Besigye and Lutale were formally charged with treason and misprision of treason on February 21, 2025, at the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court. They have since remained in detention.
In their renewed plea for bail, the two argue that they are law-abiding Ugandan citizens with permanent residences. Besigye resides in Buyinja LC I, Kasangati Town Council, while Lutale lives in Kisigula Village, Makindye—both in Wakiso District.
The applicants assert their willingness to adhere to any conditions set by the court and highlight their respect for legal procedures.
Besigye, a retired colonel in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and a four-time presidential candidate, also cited his long-standing commitment to non-violent political engagement. He referenced his participation in the 1981–1986 liberation war that brought the current government to power, stressing his dedication to democratic governance.
According to court filings, the pair were abducted in Nairobi, Kenya, on November 16, 2024, and held without due process at Makindye Military Barracks.
They were initially charged before the General Court Martial, a move they opposed on the grounds of being civilians. Following a Supreme Court ruling that deemed the trial of civilians in military courts unconstitutional, they were subsequently charged in a civilian court with treason and misprision of treason.
Both Besigye and Lutale deny all charges and are requesting the High Court to grant them bail, noting that these offences are only bailable by this court.
Besigye further cites his advanced age—69 years—and the hardship of prolonged detention as additional grounds for release.
Through their legal team, led by Erias Lukwago, the applicants argue that they have been on remand for over 150 days without a trial date being set.
Besigye’s affidavit stresses that he has a history of facing—and ultimately being acquitted of—serious charges, including terrorism and treason, and has never absconded or interfered with investigations while on bail.
They also assert that they have substantial and credible sureties to guarantee their compliance with court proceedings.
The two are jointly charged with UPDF officer Captain Denis Oola.
Prosecutors allege that the trio engaged in subversive activities across several cities—including Geneva, Switzerland; Athens, Greece; Nairobi, Kenya; and Kampala, Uganda—where they purportedly solicited arms, logistical support, and funding with the aim of toppling the government.
