Dr. Kizza Besigye bail application has returned to court as the veteran opposition figure renews his request for release. He filed a new application before the High Court in Kampala, citing age and poor health.
At 68 years old, Dr. Besigye says he cannot withstand the harsh prison environment. He has spent 150 days in custody without facing formal trial proceedings. He believes this indefinite detention violates his constitutional rights.
His political aide, Hajj Obeid Lutale, also submitted a second bail request. The court rejected both men’s initial applications on April 11. Justice Rosette Comfort Kania presided over that hearing.
Dr. Besigye stressed that he has complied with all previous bail conditions. He also presented sureties willing to guarantee his return to court. In his filing, he highlighted the presumption of innocence guaranteed by the Constitution.
Although Justice Kania acknowledged that both men met all bail requirements, she denied their release. She cited the seriousness of the treason charge and warned about possible interference with investigations.
“The charges against the applicants are among the gravest on our statute books,” she said. She explained that investigators need more time and resources to conclude the case.
Her decision drew criticism from legal experts. Several lawyers questioned the soundness of her reasoning. According to Ugandan law, suspects can submit multiple bail applications—even before the same judge.
Dr. Besigye has faced repeated arrests over the years but has never received a conviction. His current detention is the longest in his political career, which spans more than two decades.
Prosecutors accuse Dr. Besigye, Lutale, Capt. Denis Oola, and others of plotting to overthrow the government. They claim the alleged conspiracy took place between 2023 and November 2024 and involved activities in Uganda, Kenya, Switzerland, and Greece.
As of last evening, the Judiciary had not assigned a new judge to the case. Legal observers continue to follow developments closely as public attention grows.
This case remains a key point in national discourse. Many Ugandans have voiced concerns about prolonged detentions and delays in the judicial process. Dr. Besigye’s legal team hopes the court will reconsider and grant him temporary freedom.
