KAMPALA, Uganda — The High Court in Kampala on Friday denied a bail application for veteran opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye and his political aide, Hajj Obeid Lutale, who are facing treason charges.
Justice Rosette Comfort Kania ruled that the charges against the two men are among the gravest under Ugandan law. While acknowledging that the applicants met several bail requirements, including having fixed residences, substantial sureties, being first-time offenders with no criminal record, and being of advanced age, she denied their release.
The judge, in a ruling read by registrar Ssalmu Ngoobi, stated that the alleged offenses occurred in various locations within Uganda and other countries, requiring more time and resources to conclude investigations.
“Owing to the fact that the investigations are ongoing, the interest of Justice at this point dictate that the application for bail is denied on this occasion because there is the likelihood that the applicants if released on bail while investigations are ongoing owing to the grave nature of the offence may fall prey to the temptation to interfere with the investigations,” Justice Kania stated.
Dr. Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate, and Lutale have been in custody for over 147 days following their arrest in Nairobi, Kenya, late last year. They face charges of treason and misprision of treason, both of which carry a maximum penalty of death upon conviction.
According to the prosecution, Besigye, Lutale, Capt. Denis Oola, and others still at large allegedly plotted to overthrow the government by force of arms between 2023 and November 2024. The alleged conspiracy spanned multiple countries, including Geneva (Switzerland), Athens (Greece), Nairobi (Kenya), and Kampala.
