KAMPALA, Uganda — The High Court’s Criminal Division on Tuesday postponed a ruling on bail and stay of proceedings for opposition leader Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Hajji Obeid Lutale, ensuring the pair will remain in custody through the Christmas holiday.
Justice Emmanuel Baguma, who was expected to deliver the decision via email Tuesday morning, rescheduled the ruling for Dec. 29. In a letter to both parties, Assistant Registrar Ssalaamu Godfrey Ngobi said the ruling was not ready and will now be delivered in open court.
Besigye, 69, and Lutale, 66, are facing treason charges alongside Capt. Denis Oola. The defense is seeking to halt the trial pending a Constitutional Court petition that challenges the fairness of the proceedings, including issues of judicial recusal and mandatory bail timelines.
Defense attorney Ernest Kalibaala argued that the trial should not proceed until the higher court resolves these fundamental questions. He also petitioned for the defendants’ release on bail, noting their age, lack of prior convictions and history of appearing for court.
The prosecution opposed both requests. Chief State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka called the applications an abuse of process intended to delay the trial. He further argued that Besigye, a prominent political figure, posed a risk of witness interference if released.
The court has issued production warrants to ensure the accused are present for the Dec. 29 hearing.
